A former employee of the San Francisco-based sexual wellness company OneTaste has testified in court that she was sexually exploited and coerced into unwanted acts during her employment. OneTaste, founded by Nicole Daedone, promoted “orgasmic meditation” as a path to healing and personal growth but now faces serious allegations that its leadership used manipulative tactics and forced labor in a cult-like environment. Both Daedone and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor and face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The trial continues to reveal alleged abuses that challenge the boundaries between consensual wellness practices and exploitation.
The testimony came during a federal trial in which prosecutors detailed the practices and internal dynamics within OneTaste. The former employee described how the company environment fostered a culture of control, pressuring workers to engage in intimate sessions that went beyond the stated wellness goals. According to her account, participation was often mandated, and refusal led to professional and personal repercussions.
Allegations Against Leadership
Nicole Daedone, the founder of OneTaste, and Rachel Cherwitz, former head of sales, stand accused of orchestrating a scheme that compelled employees into coerced labor and sexual acts under the guise of spiritual development. Federal prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting that top executives maintained strict oversight of employees’ schedules and personal interactions, exerting pressure to conform to tribal-like practices.
Details of the Coercion
- Employees were reportedly required to participate in “coaching sessions” involving physical contact described as sexual in nature.
- Refusal to comply with company sessions resulted in demotion or termination threats.
- Some employees alleged they were encouraged or forced to recruit others into the organization, creating a cycle of control and dependence.
Broader Implications and Responses
The case has drawn attention to the intersection of wellness industry practices and potential abuses of consent. Experts in labor law and sexual misconduct note that the allegations raise questions about how vulnerable individuals may be exploited under the pretense of holistic healing. OneTaste has previously marketed orgasmic meditation as a therapeutic technique, but critics argue that the power dynamics within the organization made genuine consent impossible.
The defense has denied the accusations, contending that all activities were consensual and aimed at personal empowerment. As the trial progresses, further testimonies are expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged exploitation.
Legal Context and Potential Outcomes
If convicted, Daedone and Cherwitz face significant prison time, with charges including conspiracy to commit forced labor carrying penalties of up to 20 years. The case represents a rare federal prosecution focusing on forced labor within wellness enterprises, potentially setting a precedent for how similar allegations are addressed in the future.
The trial remains ongoing, with additional witnesses scheduled to appear. Authorities emphasize the importance of holding organizations accountable when their practices cross legal and ethical boundaries.
The ongoing trial against OneTaste’s leadership underscores serious concerns about exploitation within the wellness industry. As evidence and testimonies continue to emerge, the case highlights the complex intersection of consent, coercion, and labor rights under the guise of personal development. With significant legal consequences at stake, the proceedings may establish important precedents for addressing abuses in similar organizations. The outcome will likely have lasting implications for both the regulation of wellness practices and the protection of individuals from manipulative or forced labor conditions.
