'Cult' that taught 'orgasmic meditation' loses Netflix court battle over 'expose'

A controversial organization that promoted "orgasmic meditation" has lost its court battle with Netflix. The founder of OneTaste, Nicole Daedone, and head of sales, Rachel Cherwitz, are facing criminal charges for forced labor in New York.

Last week, a Los Angeles judge ruled against the company, finding that Netflix did not act with malice when it released a popular documentary exposing their practices.

Released in 2022, "Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste" came out four years after the FBI began investigating the group. Former members alleged that the program operated like a cult, luring them in with promises of spiritual growth only to trap them in expensive courses that led to sexual and psychological abuse.

Daedone, once a celebrated wellness guru, faced scrutiny after a 2018 Bloomberg Businessweek article detailed "unsavory" practices, including "sexual servitude."

The FBI initiated an investigation later that year, reports the Express US.

In a June 2022 indictment, federal prosecutors accused Daedone and Cherwitz of targeting individuals with trauma to draw them into "orgasmic meditation."

This mindfulness exercise involves prolonged clitoral stimulation, which Daedone claimed could lead to spiritual breakthroughs. However, many participants found the practice to be anything but liberating.

Former members recount being compelled to take part in "demonstrations" where they had to strip off and allow strangers to touch them for potential clients. They also claim that they carried out significant work for the organisation without receiving compensation.

Some even resided in communal living situations, where, according to prosecutors, they were monitored and isolated from their loved ones.

"It's not whatever the lofty goal or principles [Daedone] talks about in her videos. She wants a following. She always wanted to be a guru and have people hanging on her every word," revealed a former member who spoke to our team on the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation. "That's her motivation, in my opinion".

Last year, OneTaste took legal action against Netflix for defamation, asserting that the allegations of sexual misbehavior made by a previous employee's sister on film were "completely false."

In a ruling handed down on April 29, Judge Holly Fujie determined that OneTaste could not substantiate this. Additionally, the judgment threw out all claims made by the defunct company.

"The evidence submitted by Plaintiff consists of hearsay statements offered for the truth of the matter asserted, irrelevant statements that do not relate to the issue at hand, and other lawsuits that are not pertinent to the instant case," Judge Fujie stated.

Netflix sought to have the lawsuit dismissed under California's anti-SLAPP laws, which are designed to discourage frivolous lawsuits that could potentially stifle free speech.

In a legal document, Netflix took a jab at OneTaste's legal team for adding even more controversial statements from Daedone to their case, including her praising comments about her "rabbi friend" and other "yoga people" who have "f----d all their students."

Netflix has now put forward a motion declaring its intention to claim back its legal costs from OneTaste.

The group accused of being a cult has already forked out a hefty sum for its legal battles and public image management. They've enlisted the help of crisis management specialist Juda Engelmayer, whose past clients include Harvey Weinstein and the notorious faux socialite Anna Sorokin.

Speaking to Daily Express US, Engelmayer remarked: "The initial anti-SLAPP ruling in the OneTaste defamation suit against Netflix wasn't unexpected. We are confident in the law and in the facts and will prevail on appeal."