Sex Cult 'Wellness Guru' Sentenced to Nine Years for Forced Labour and Exploitation
Nicole Daedone, the 58-year-old founder of the controversial OneTaste organisation, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for her role in a forced labour conspiracy. The sentencing, delivered at Brooklyn Federal Court, follows a conviction that a judge branded as 'long term human exploitation' and 'egregious exploitation masquerading as empowerment'.
Co-Conspirator Receives Six-and-a-Half Year Sentence
Daedone's co-conspirator, Rachel Cherwitz, 45, the company's former head of sales, received a six-and-a-half year sentence for the same charge. During court proceedings, Cherwitz raised eyebrows by smiling and winking at the gallery. Both women appeared in court wearing baggy beige prison-issue jumpsuits, a stark contrast to their previous glamorous public appearances.
Prosecutors had initially argued that Daedone should face up to twenty years imprisonment. During a five-week trial last year, both defendants pleaded not guilty before being convicted. In addition to prison time, Daedone will serve two years of supervised release and must pay $887,877.64 in restitution to seven victims.
Victims Testify to Cult-Like Manipulation and Sexual Exploitation
Nine former OneTaste employees testified that Daedone and Cherwitz ran the business like a cult, manipulating followers into performing sexual acts under the guise of obtaining 'freedom' and 'enlightenment'. Assistant US Attorney Nina Gupta told the court that the defendants 'built a business on the backs' of victims who 'gave everything' including 'their money, their time, their bodies, their dignity, and ultimately their sanity'.
Prosecutors revealed that OneTaste leaders failed to pay members-turned-workers as promised and even forced some to take out new credit cards to continue taking company courses. The organisation maintained an insular culture, referring to those outside OneTaste as 'muggles'.
Judge Condemns 'Deliberate and Harmful Actions'
Judge Diane Gujarati described the offences as 'very serious' and carried out over a prolonged period, with Daedone and associates coercing victims 'through a variety of means'. She stated that trial evidence demonstrated 'deliberate and harmful actions' resulting in forced labour, with victims suffering 'long lasting, if not irreparable damage'.
'The case involves significant financial, physical and psychological harm,' Judge Gujarati declared, branding it 'long term human exploitation'. She specifically condemned Daedone's actions, stating: 'She exploited certain women in a calculated way and made money off them. Miss Daedone is not the victim here, and there is a strong need for deterrence.'
Victim Impact Statements Detail Lasting Trauma
One victim, Mihal Neirin, told the court that Cherwitz acted as 'Nicole's main executioner', describing how abusive behavior was mirrored throughout the organisation. Neirin revealed: 'I was left with sexual trauma, in debt and more depressed than I have ever been. I fell into their trap, I was the perfect target, a vulnerable woman looking to benefit my life.'
She added: 'I contemplated suicide several times in the year after I left OneTaste. I still suffer flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks.' Judge Gujarati further condemned the conduct as 'egregious, coercive and insidious', noting both defendants 'took actions that stripped their victims of dignity'.
Defense Arguments and Lack of Remorse
Neither defendant expressed remorse, offered apologies, or acknowledged responsibility during sentencing. Daedone appeared emotional, holding her hands in prayer when sentencing concluded, but declined to speak on her own behalf.
Her attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, mounted a strong defense, insisting: 'No one revels in seeing people experience pain... Miss Daedone is a complex person. I vehemently reject that she is some fraudster who... set out to manipulate women's sexuality for profit.'
Cherwitz's lawyer, Celia Cohen, argued her client believed she was helping participants, controversially suggesting that participants 'faking' an orgasm could signal consent, saying: 'Faking it indicates to the person that they are okay with it.'
Restitution Payments and Appeal Plans
Despite the nearly $900,000 restitution order, the court heard payments will be made at just $25 per quarter while Daedone and Cherwitz are incarcerated. Neither was fined further, with the judge accepting they cannot afford additional penalties and noting Cherwitz has 'serious mental health diagnosis'.
Both defendants are planning to appeal their convictions and staunchly protest their innocence. In a statement following sentencing, attorney John Lauro, who has represented former President Donald Trump, launched a blistering attack on the case, calling it 'a gross abuse of power originating in the Biden Justice Department'.
Organisation Defends Founder Despite Conviction
Outside court, current OneTaste CEO Anjuli Ayer described the outcome as 'terrifying', issuing a lengthy statement defending Daedone and the organisation. She claimed the case represented a dangerous precedent, arguing: 'This is not a case of labor or even conspiracy. This is a case to say that ideas are dangerous.'
Ayer said she personally credited Daedone and OneTaste practices with saving her life, warning: 'Once persuasion becomes a crime, anyone can be a defendant. And anyone can be a victim. If thought can be criminalized, if consent is meaningless - no one is safe.'
The dramatic sentencing marks the culmination of a years-long case that prosecutors said exposed a system of manipulation and coercion hidden behind the language of empowerment and wellness.
