Start-Up Scandal in NYC: Employees Allegedly Ordered to Have Sex to "Relieve Tension"

By Ethan DC | May 21, 2025

In a jaw-dropping federal trial unfolding in New York City, shocking allegations are surfacing against executives of OneTaste—a self-described “wellness” startup turned alleged sex cult. According to testimony, employees were forced to engage in sexual acts under the guise of productivity and spiritual growth.

OneTaste, known for promoting “orgasmic meditation” and "slow sex," now stands accused of something far darker: coercing staff into sex work and unpaid labor. The company’s founder, Nicole Daedone, and former head of sales, Rachel Cherwitz, are facing forced labor conspiracy charges after years of controversy finally exploded into the courtroom.

“Go Have Sex Right Now”: What Witnesses Say

In court, a former employee—identified only as Max—testified that during a sales meeting, Cherwitz blamed lagging profits on “sexual tension” between two workers and ordered them to have sex on the spot. One of the individuals involved, a woman referred to as Becky, called the situation awkward, noting that her colleague was already in a relationship with another employee who was in the room.

Max said the experience was a turning point: “I felt so sick inside. I think that was the moment when I just woke up.”

Sexual Servitude as “Job Requirements”?

According to additional testimony, the company’s bizarre practices didn’t end there. Employees were allegedly required to be on-call 24/7, denied sick leave, and in some cases, expected to sexually "service" investors and company leaders. One woman, Dana, claimed she was told to perform BDSM acts on a major investor, including whipping him and walking him on a leash.

Employees also described living communally, sharing beds, and engaging in daily group genital-stroking sessions described as "orgasmic meditation."

Allegations of Cult-Like Behavior and Financial Exploitation

The court also heard disturbing details about how employees were treated like unpaid laborers. Some weren’t officially on payroll and had to beg to be paid. Dana testified that she paid $30,000 for courses, allegedly funded in part by sex work that the company facilitated.

Netflix Documentary Fallout and FBI Scrutiny

These revelations were partly triggered by the 2022 Netflix documentary “Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste”, which painted a dark picture of the company's inner workings. Just five months after the documentary aired, federal indictments followed.

However, the case is now tangled in its own controversy. A Member of Congress recently accused the lead FBI agent in the case of misconduct, claiming the agent fabricated evidence using Netflix material and engaged in questionable investigative tactics. The letter, addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, questions the integrity of the entire investigation.

What’s Next for OneTaste?

Both Daedone and Cherwitz deny the allegations. Still, the trial is raising serious concerns about the abuse of power under the guise of wellness. What began as a “spiritual” startup promising sexual empowerment has now been laid bare as something far more sinister—possibly criminal.

Stay tuned as the trial unfolds—and follow Ethan DC for updates on this developing story.

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Tags: #OneTasteTrial #NicoleDaedone #RachelCherwitz #ForcedLabor #OrgasmicMeditation #StartupScandal #SexCult #BrooklynFederalCourt #NetflixDoc #EthanDCReports #FBIControversy