Support for Nicole Deidon Following Sentencing
Van Jones, a CNN personality, and Richard Schiff, known for his role on “The West Wing,” have both expressed their support for Nicole Deidon, leader of the controversial “orgasm cult” One Taste, who received a nine-year prison sentence on Monday.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to Judge Diane Gujarati, Jones described Deidon, 58, as “a woman of extraordinary wisdom, grace, and moral courage.” He emphasized that she has dedicated her life to understanding equitable empowerment, particularly for women. He mentioned, “I never knew her to be someone who pursued personal gain at the expense of others. She is someone who has dedicated her energy to helping people evolve.” They met in the early 2000s, and he urged the court to show leniency to her.
Jones argued that if there’s an opportunity to consider mercy, the court should look beyond the surface and recognize Deidon’s character and intentions, noting her resilience in the face of public scrutiny and personal hardship.
Deidon was sentenced after a federal jury in Brooklyn determined that she had groomed staff within her wellness organization, OneTaste, encouraging sexual interactions with clients and investors.
Schiff, whose spouse, Sheila Kelly, has formed a close bond with Deidon within the realms of spirituality and women’s empowerment, also lent his voice in support. He mentioned having only a brief interaction with Deidon but acknowledged the profound respect his wife has for her.
“Over the years, Sheila has shared how much Nicole’s work has influenced her and other women. I’ve come to realize that Nicole is a true educator and thinker, dedicating her life to addressing often stigmatized aspects of human experience with compassion and transparency,” Schiff commented.
Many of the 200 letters sent to Judge Gujarati hailed the positive impacts of “orgasm meditation,” a practice that Deidon helped popularize. Yet, in stark contrast, nine former employees testified last summer about being coerced into performing sexual acts and unskilled labor over a span of more than a decade.
Prosecutors accused Deidon and former sales manager Rachel Cherwitz of targeting victims with past traumas under the pretense of alleviating their sexual pain. Both were found guilty of conspiring to commit forced labor.
On the same day, Cherwitz received a 6 1/2-year prison sentence. Both women deny the allegations against them and intend to appeal their convictions.
