Mumbai, March 31: Nicole Daedone, founder and former CEO of OneTaste, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after being convicted in a forced labor conspiracy case that shocked the self-help and wellness industry.

The sentencing, delivered by Diane Gujarati in Brooklyn, marks the culmination of a high-profile legal battle that revealed disturbing allegations behind the company’s “orgasmic meditation” practices. Alongside the prison term, Daedone was ordered to forfeit USD 12 million from the 2017 sale of the company and pay approximately USD 887,000 in restitution to victims.

Her co-accused, Rachel Cherwitz, received a 78-month (6.5 years) prison sentence for her involvement. 350 Deepfake S*xual Images, Dozens of Victims: US School Teens Get Probation as Court Hears Chilling Testimonies.

A Pattern of Coercion and Control

During the five-week trial in June 2025, prosecutors argued that OneTaste functioned as an exploitative system disguised as empowerment. According to court testimony, vulnerable individuals were lured into the group and subjected to “economic, s*xual, and psychological abuse.”

Witnesses claimed members were pushed into heavy debt to pay for expensive courses and pressured into performing labor and intimate acts for the company’s benefit. Prosecutors further alleged the use of sleep deprivation, surveillance, and emotional manipulation to maintain control. NYPD S*x Tape Scandal: 2 Cops Have S*x in Locker Room of Bronx Station House, Suspended After Video Surfaces.

“Coercion disguised as wellness or empowerment is still exploitation,” the US Attorney’s Office stated.

From Global Fame to Criminal Conviction

Founded in San Francisco in 2004, OneTaste gained global attention for promoting “orgasmic meditation,” a controversial practice involving structured intimate sessions. At its peak, the company attracted thousands of followers and widespread media coverage.

However, scrutiny intensified after a 2018 investigation triggered an FBI probe into its practices. Despite defense arguments that participants were consenting adults exploring a “s*xually liberated” lifestyle, the jury found both Daedone and Cherwitz guilty after less than two days of deliberation.

What Lies Ahead

Daedone’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal, citing complex legal questions. Since her conviction, she has been held in a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, where her lawyers say she has been teaching meditation.

Meanwhile, OneTaste has been rebranded as the “Institute of OM Foundation,” though its controversial legacy continues to cast a long shadow.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 31, 2026 08:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).