In defamation action brought against Netflix based on
documentary stating that plaintiff was involved in the sexual
assault and abuse of a former employee, California appeals court
affirms striking of complaint because plaintiff failed to
demonstrate probability of prevailing on element of actual
malice.
Plaintiff OneTaste Incorporated is a wellness company that
promoted a sexual practice called “orgasmic meditation”
(OM). OneTaste opened locations across the United States focused on
OM, including residences where OM participants lived together.
Beginning in 2018, several news organizations and media outlets
published stories describing OneTaste as a “kind of
prostitution ring” in which employees, staffers and community
members were sexually exploited. Several publications referenced
the allegations of Ayries Blanck, a former employee to whom
OneTaste had paid $325,000 to settle her claim that she had been
ordered to sleep with customers and managers.
