How a company likened to a sex cult is lobbying Trump for pardons
OneTaste, a San Francisco-based company likened to a sex cult, is lobbying allies of President Trump to secure pardons for its convicted leaders, Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz. The women were sentenced to prison in 2026 for forced labor conspiracy after a 2025 conviction. The company is using informal channels, including high-profile legal and political figures, to influence the clemency process during Trump's second term.
- ▪OneTaste is seeking presidential pardons for its former CEO Nicole Daedone and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz, who were convicted of forced labor conspiracy in 2025.
- ▪The company has enlisted lawyer Alan Dershowitz and reached out to Trump allies including Matt Gaetz, Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, and Laura Loomer to support its clemency campaign.
- ▪Prosecutors alleged that OneTaste coerced employees into performing degrading tasks, including sexual acts, for little or no pay, while defense attorneys claimed it was a women's empowerment organization.
- ▪OneTaste submitted formal pardon applications to the Justice Department but is also pursuing an informal lobbying strategy common in Trump's second-term clemency efforts.
- ▪NYU law professor Rachel Barkow criticized the growing reliance on personal connections to seek pardons, saying the formal clemency process appears dysfunctional for those without political access.
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Investigation Politics How a company likened to a sex cult is lobbying Trump for pardons By Gabe Kaminsky Gabe Kaminsky Investigative Reporter Gabe Kaminsky is an investigative reporter for CBS News based in Washington, D.C., covering money and influence in politics. Read Full Bio Gabe Kaminsky Updated on: April 29, 2026 / 6:19 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google A company in San Francisco that prosecutors likened to a sex cult has embarked on a campaign to court allies of President Trump as it seeks pardons for its two convicted leaders, CBS News has learned through interviews and records.OneTaste, a self-described "orgasmic meditation" company, is on the hunt for clemency for its former CEO and founder Nicole Daedone and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz.
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