The leaders of a US sex-focused women’s wellness company that promoted “orgasmic meditation” have been convicted of federal forced labor charges. A Brooklyn jury on Monday found Nicole Daedone, founder of OneTaste Inc., and Rachel Cherwitz, the California-based company’s former sales director, guilty after deliberating for less than two days following a five-week trial. The two each face up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing due later. Prosecutors argued the two women ran a years-long scheme that groomed adherents –many of them victims of sexual trauma – to do their bidding. They said Daedone, 57, and Cherwitz, 44, used economic, sexual and psychological abuse, intimidation and indoctrination to force OneTaste members into sexual acts they found uncomfortable or repulsive, such as having sex with prospective investors or clients. The two told followers the questionable acts were necessary in order to obtain “freedom” and “enlightenment” and demonstrate their commitment to the organization’s principles. Prosecutors said OneTaste leaders also didn’t pay promised earnings to the members-turned-workers and even forced some of them to take out new credit cards to continue taking the company’s courses. Assistant US Attorney Nina Gupta, in her closing statement last week, said the defendants “built a business on the backs” of victims who “gave everything” to them, including “their money, their time, their bodies, their dignity, and ultimately their sanity.” “The jury’s verdict has unmasked Daedone and Cherwitz for who they truly are: grifters who preyed on vulnerable victims by making empty promises of sexual empowerment and wellness only to manipulate them into performing labor and services for the defendants’ benefit,” said Joseph Nocella, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Daedone’s defense team cast her as a “ceiling-shattering feminist entrepreneur” who created a unique business around women’s sexuality and empowerment. Cherwitz’s lawyer, Celia Cohen, argued that the witnesses who testified weren’t forced to do anything. When they didn’t like the organization anymore or wanted to try other things, she said, they simply left. “No matter what you think about OneTaste and what they were doing, they chose it. They knew what it was about,” she said in her closing statement last week. “The fact they are regretting the actions that they took when they were younger is not evidence of a crime.” Lawyers for the defendants said their clients maintain their innocence and intend to appeal. “We are deeply disappointed in today’s verdict,” the lawyers said in a statement Monday. “This case raised numerous novel and complex legal issues that will require review by the Second Circuit.” What was OneTaste? Daedone co-founded OneTaste in San Francisco in 2004 as a sort of self-help commune that viewed female orgasms as key to sexual and psychological wellness and interpersonal connection. A centerpiece was “orgasmic meditation,” or “OM,” which was carried out by men manually stimulating women in a group setting. The company enjoyed glowing media coverage in the 2010s and quickly opened outposts from Los Angeles to London. Portrayed as a cutting-edge enterprise that prioritized women’s sexual pleasure, it generated revenue by providing courses, coaching, OM events, and other sexual services for a fee. Daedone sold her stake in the company in 2017 for $12 million – a year before OneTaste’s marketing and labor practices came under scrutiny. The company’s current owners, who have rebranded it the Institute of OM Foundation, have said its work has been misconstrued and the charges against its former executives were unjustified. They maintain sexual consent has always been a cornerstone of the organization. The company didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Leaders of ‘orgasmic meditation’ company OneTaste convicted in forced labor trial
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"OneTaste Leaders Convicted of Federal Forced Labor Charges"
CNN
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The leaders of OneTaste Inc., a controversial women’s wellness company known for promoting 'orgasmic meditation', have been convicted on federal forced labor charges. Following a five-week trial, a Brooklyn jury found Nicole Daedone, the company's founder, and Rachel Cherwitz, the former sales director, guilty after less than two days of deliberation. Prosecutors presented evidence that Daedone and Cherwitz orchestrated a systematic scheme to exploit vulnerable individuals, many of whom were survivors of sexual trauma. They allegedly used a combination of economic and psychological manipulation to coerce these individuals into engaging in sexual acts that they found uncomfortable, such as sexual encounters with potential investors, under the guise of achieving 'freedom' and 'enlightenment'. The prosecution argued that the defendants not only failed to pay their workers as promised but also encouraged them to incur debt in order to continue participating in OneTaste’s programs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Gupta emphasized that the defendants built their business on the exploitation of their victims, stripping them of their dignity and autonomy in the process.
In response to the verdict, defense attorneys portrayed Daedone as a pioneering feminist entrepreneur who created a unique platform for women’s sexual expression. They argued that participants willingly chose to engage with the organization and that their subsequent regrets do not indicate criminal behavior. Cherwitz's lawyer contended that the testimonies of former members did not demonstrate coercion, asserting that individuals left the organization when they chose to do so. Despite the conviction, Daedone and Cherwitz maintain their innocence and plan to appeal the decision. The company, which Daedone co-founded in 2004, initially gained attention for its innovative approach to women’s sexuality, but faced criticism as its practices came under scrutiny in recent years. Following Daedone’s departure in 2017, OneTaste has since been rebranded as the Institute of OM Foundation, with new owners asserting that the organization’s core principles of sexual consent have been misrepresented. The company has not publicly commented on the recent verdict.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent conviction of the leaders of OneTaste Inc., a company centered around "orgasmic meditation," raises significant concerns about the intersection of wellness, sexual empowerment, and exploitation. The verdict has brought to light serious allegations surrounding the methods employed by the company's founders to manipulate vulnerable individuals under the guise of self-improvement and enlightenment.
Implications of the Verdict
The conviction of Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse within organizations that claim to promote sexual empowerment. The prosecution's narrative suggests a systematic exploitation of individuals, particularly those recovering from trauma, which could resonate with broader societal concerns about the safety and ethics of wellness industries.
Public Perception and Reaction
This case may evoke strong reactions from various communities, especially among those advocating for women's rights and mental health. The depiction of Daedone and Cherwitz as exploitative figures may reinforce skepticism towards alternative wellness practices that lack regulatory oversight. The portrayal of the defendants as "grifters" could also deter potential followers from engaging with similar wellness enterprises.
Potential Distractions from Broader Issues
While the focus on OneTaste's practices is crucial, it may also serve to divert attention from larger systemic issues within the wellness industry, such as lack of regulation and the prevalence of harmful practices disguised as empowerment. This trial could overshadow other significant discussions surrounding consent, autonomy, and the responsibilities of wellness practitioners.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The information presented appears credible, given the detailed account of the trial and the prosecution's arguments. However, the framing of Daedone and Cherwitz might lean towards sensationalism, which could influence public perception. The language used is charged, suggesting a strong bias towards viewing the founders as malicious operators rather than misunderstood entrepreneurs.
Connections to Broader Media Narratives
When compared to other reports regarding wellness and self-help industries, this article could be part of a growing trend that scrutinizes the ethics of such organizations. The timing of this conviction, amidst rising awareness of exploitation in various sectors, may amplify calls for reform and oversight in wellness practices.
Social and Economic Consequences
The ramifications of this case could extend beyond the individuals involved, potentially impacting the wellness industry at large. There may be increased regulatory scrutiny, leading to changes in how such businesses operate. The financial implications could also affect related sectors, particularly those investing in wellness and self-help programs.
Community Support Dynamics
Support for this news may be strongest among feminist groups and advocates for sexual empowerment, as it aligns with their goals of promoting safe and ethical practices. Conversely, the case may alienate those who view it as an attack on women's autonomy and empowerment initiatives.
Market Reactions
In terms of market implications, companies within the wellness sector might experience fluctuations in public trust, which can influence stock prices and investment trends. Companies that promote ethical practices could benefit from this scrutiny, while those with questionable methods may face backlash.
Geopolitical Context
While this case is primarily a domestic issue, it reflects broader global conversations about consent, exploitation, and the wellness industry. The implications of such narratives extend to discussions on human rights and ethical business practices worldwide.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It’s plausible that AI tools were utilized in the drafting or editing of this article, potentially to enhance clarity or ensure adherence to journalistic standards. The tone and structure suggest a professional approach, though the emotional weight of the language indicates a deliberate choice to engage readers on a deeper level.
Manipulative Elements
Certain aspects of the article could be viewed as manipulative, particularly the strong language used to describe the defendants. By framing the narrative in a way that emphasizes their malicious intent, it may overshadow the complexities of the case and the potential for differing interpretations of their actions.
Overall, the news report serves to illuminate critical issues within the wellness industry while simultaneously raising questions about the ethics of empowerment practices and the potential for exploitation disguised as self-help.