The controversial OneTaste case, involving founder Nicole Daedone and allegations of coercion within her wellness company, continues to unfold with new accusations and potential legal challenges. Daedone was sentenced Monday to nine years in prison for forced labor conspiracy – a novel charge involving psychological and financial coercion.

The Core of the Controversy: Forced Labor Conspiracy

Nicole Daedone, 58, founded OneTaste in San Francisco in 2004. The organization marketed itself as a mindfulness practice, offering seminars centered around “orgasmic meditation” – a technique involving practitioners stimulating clients’ genitals for 15 minutes. Single classes cost $99, while comprehensive coaching programs exceeded $10,000.

However, prosecutors alleged that Daedone and her co-defendant, Rachel Cherwitz, used coercive tactics to control employees, compelling them into sexual acts with clients and investors. This case marks the first time in U.S. history someone has been charged with forced labor conspiracy without accompanying sex crime charges.

A Love Triangle and Questioned Testimony

Supporters of Daedone claim a vicious love triangle fueled much of the controversy. At the center of this is Ayries Blanck, 34, a former OneTaste follower who was initially slated to testify against Daedone in May 2025.

However, prosecutors altered course after discovering Blanck’s journal entries – presented in the 2022 Netflix documentary Orgasm Inc. – were not written contemporaneously during her involvement with OneTaste (2012-2015), but created years later for the film. Blanck’s journals detailed alleged coercion, abuse, and manipulation within the group.

Allegations Against the Documentary

Eli Block, an employee of Om – the company formed from the remnants of OneTaste – alleges that the documentary utilized “faked” evidence. “Lena Dunham produced … Providing fraudulent evidence is a crime. No one is talking about it,” Block stated to The Post. Om is now considering legal action against Netflix and producer Lena Dunham.

Court documents reveal a heated exchange between Blanck and another OneTaste follower, Aubrey Fuller, stemming from a romantic entanglement. Messages included threats and expressions of intense hatred. Blanck also allegedly encouraged other women to engage in sexual activity with her boyfriend.

Legal Outcomes and Aftermath

In addition to Daedone’s nine-year sentence and $12 million judgment, Rachel Cherwitz received a sentence of six and a half years. The court also awarded $877,877.64 in restitution to seven former employees.

Anjuli Ayer, CEO of OM, described the case as shifting from a sex trafficking investigation to one focused on “thought crime,” arguing the conviction was based solely on a theory of brainwashing. Despite the convictions, over 200 letters of support were submitted to the judge, including endorsements from CNN personality Van Jones and actor Richard Schiff.