The leaders of a women's wellness company that focused on sex and promoted 'orgasmic meditation' have been convicted of federal forced labor charges. Nicole Daedone, 57, and Rachel Cherwitz, 44, were found guilty by a Brooklyn jury after a five-week trial. Daedone founded OneTaste Inc., while Cherwitz served as its sales director. They could face up to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors argued that the two ran a scheme that coerced employees, many of whom were victims of sexual trauma, into performing uncomfortable and repulsive tasks. This included having sex with investors or clients. Witnesses testified that they were forced to live with Daedone's boyfriend, cook for him, and perform demeaning sex acts at his direction.

Daedone and Cherwitz claimed these acts were necessary for 'freedom' and 'enlightenment' and to show commitment to the organization's principles. They also failed to pay promised earnings to members-turned-workers and forced some to take out new credit cards to continue taking courses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Gupta stated that the defendants built their business on the backs of victims who gave everything to them. Defense lawyers argued that the witnesses chose to participate and were not forced. Daedone's defense portrayed her as a feminist entrepreneur focusing on women's sexuality and empowerment.

The defendants plan to appeal the verdict, maintaining their innocence. OneTaste, founded in 2004, promoted female orgasms as key to wellness and connection. 'Orgasmic meditation' involved men manually stimulating women in a group setting. The company faced scrutiny in 2018, a year after Daedone sold her stake for $12 million. The current owners deny the allegations and emphasize that sexual consent has always been important to the organization.