Know Before You Go: Diane Severin Nguyen: WAR SONGS duet and Tony Cokes: Texts, Tracks, Talks (1992–2026) feature flashing lights, loud repetitive sounds, high-powered fans, and/or strobe effects that may trigger audio-visual sensitivities.

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Author RVA: Ellen Huet, “Empire of Orgasm”

Author RVA: Ellen Huet, “Empire of Orgasm”

Wednesday, Sep 23

5:30 PM–8:00 PM

RSVP

Join us September 23 for a conversation with Ellen Huet, author of the Empire of Orgasm.

Building on the viral Bloomberg article that exposed the dark side of OneTaste and its founder, Nicole Daedone, Empire of Orgasm tells how a boundary-pushing wellness program became a cult that, according to dozens of witnesses, ruthlessly exploited its members. Huet, the undeniable authority on the group, reveals how OneTaste’s demand for absolute fealty to Daedone on the path to enlightenment and healing pushed its followers past their limits—sexually, emotionally, financially—and left many lives in shambles. The story culminates in Daedone’s conviction in June 2025 after a five-week criminal trial.

A riveting saga and a nuanced exploration of the mechanics of manipulation, Empire of Orgasm is an extraordinary account of wellness gone wrong.

Doors: 5:30pm
Event: 6pm
Book Signing: 7pm

Presented in partnership with Jessie Gaynor (Lit Hub) and Mary Childs (Mary in America).

About the Author:
Ellen Huet is an award-winning investigative journalist who currently writes for Bloomberg News and Bloomberg Businessweek. She’s the author of Empire of Orgasm, a book about OneTaste, a sexual wellness company alleged to be a sex cult.

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