The intriguing leader of a wellness organization known for “orgasmic meditation” has recently come under scrutiny, alongside proposals for something like “yoga with a twist.” One individual involved has expressed embarrassment about their sexual experiences connected with the group.
Jennifer Bonjan, representing Nicole Dardone, the founder of “Orgasmic Cult,” spoke to 12 judges in U.S. District Court, saying, “They’re married with kids now, and they really don’t want to think about what they were up to in their twenties.”
Bonjan mentioned that during their time with the organization, participants were often impulsive, making choices they felt they couldn’t delay any longer.
The trial centers on Rachel Cherwitz, a former sales manager at Daedone’s company. Cherwitz is accused of enticing clients and investors into sexual activities in a troubling scheme that lasted 14 years, ending in 2018.
Both women face charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor, with prosecutors alleging that they operated the business similarly to a cult, recruiting individuals with past traumas under the pretense that they could alleviate sexual distress.
Prosecutors claimed that the duo coerced members and employees into debt while exposing them to various forms of abuse to keep them compliant. U.S. Assistant Attorney Sean Fern described it as an environment where enlightenment was supposedly tied to following the defendants’ demands.
Fern contended that members were led to believe that feeling sexually degraded was a route to liberation, forcing them to provide sexual services.
In contrast, the defense suggested that those making accusations are disgruntled former members who previously enjoyed their experiences but now feel embarrassed. They described the sex-oriented meditation as simply mindful practice, emphasizing that involvement was voluntary.
Defense attorney Mike Robotti argued that no one was coerced into working for the company; they believed in its mission, saying, “They had fun, they were having sex. The exit door was always open.”
Onetaste, which gained traction in 2018 with over 35,000 attendees at its events—popularized by Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop—has faced a significant decline since then, especially after Dardone’s viral TED talk aimed to convince skeptics about orgasmic meditation’s benefits.
The company was also highlighted in a 2022 Netflix documentary titled “Orgasm Inc.,” which discusses some of the allegations relevant to the ongoing criminal case.
If found guilty, Dardone and Cherwitz could each face up to 20 years in prison.
The trial is anticipated to last around six weeks.
