# Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste

Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste is a 2022 Netflix documentary directed by Sarah Gibson, which explores the rise and controversies surrounding the sexual wellness company OneTaste. The company, known for promoting a practice "Orgasmic Meditation" (OM), has faced legal disputes and public scrutiny. The documentary has been the cause of much controversy, with a lawsuit from individuals who say it used stolen footage of them, as well as a suit from OneTaste, which says it uses false evidence.

## Background

OneTaste was founded by Nicole Daedone in the early 2000s, with the goal of promoting Orgasmic Meditation, a practice in which one participant stimulates another's clitoris for 15 minutes while engaging in mindfulness. The company marketed OM as a method for improving sexual well-being and emotional healing.
In 2018, a Bloomberg Businessweek article raised concerns about the company’s business practices, including allegations of financial exploitation and manipulation, which became central to the controversies surrounding OneTaste and featured in the documentary.

## Plot

The documentary traces the growth of OneTaste, highlighting the initial appeal of Orgasmic Meditation among individuals seeking emotional and sexual fulfillment. The film paints a picture of a wellness startup, exploration of sexuality, and people suffering from loneliness and disconnection feeling loved, connected, and belonging. The film takes a quick turn, showing the alleged dark side of OneTaste, with allegations from former participants who claim they were manipulated and pressured into sexual acts to benefit the company financially.
The film also discusses an FBI investigation, which was prompted by the 2018 Bloomberg Businessweek article. A central part of the narrative is the story of Ayries Blanck, whose experiences are documented through journals allegedly written by her sister, Autymn Blanck. These journals describe alleged coercion and abuse by OneTaste staff.

## Production and legal issues

The production of Orgasm Inc has faced legal challenges. OneTaste claims that much of the footage used in the film was stolen by a former employee, leading to a lawsuit from 14 individuals who were concerned about appearing in the film sued Netflix in an attempt to block release of the film. A petition signed by close to 500 people pleading Netflix not use the stolen footage which the individuals never signed over consent to Netflix to use. The judge denied the motion and Netflix did not comment on the petition.

## Controversies

The documentary has been the subject of significant controversy. OneTaste has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, claiming that the company paid $25,000 to Autymn Blanck for false journals used in the film. Some supporters of the documentary argue that it accurately reflects their own experiences with OneTaste, while others have raised concerns about the authenticity of the materials used, particularly the journals and footage. A petition was started and signed by over 500 individuals who were in the stolen footage, in a plea to Netflix to not air the film and to respect that they do not consent to Netflix using footage of themselves. A group of petitioners created a short video, "Hey Netflix", through which a handful of the petitioners came forward with a public demand for Netflix to not use the stolen footage and exploit their image. Netflix proceeded to air the film without comment.
The film also features alleged journals written by Ayries Blanck, which describe abuse and coercion at the hands of her former partner and condoned by OneTaste staff. Legal counsel representing OneTaste has raised questions about the authenticity of the journals, suggesting that they reference a book on cult deprogramming not published until five years after the journals were allegedly written.
There is also an unclear link between the FBI and the film, as a woman in the film is shown making a call and writing on her notebook the name of the FBI Special Agent Elliot McGinnis, the lead case agent in a single-charge conspiracy case against Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, both former executives at OneTaste.
The controversy surrounding the use of stolen footage and the authenticity of the journals remains unresolved.

## Release and reception

The documentary was released on Netflix in 2022 and received mixed reviews. Critics praised the documentary for its in-depth exploration of OneTaste’s alleged manipulative practices but criticized the film for its use of disputed materials. Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb reflected a division in opinion, with some viewers supporting the documentary’s portrayal of events and others questioning its accuracy and ethical implications.