Former personal assistant to Howard and Beth Stern, Leslie Kuhn, has filed a lawsuit against the couple, claiming wrongful termination and alleging a hostile work environment during her time employed with them. The case, filed on April 5, seeks financial compensation for various claims, including the legal costs associated with the action and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
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Kuhn’s assertion is supported by a detailed complaint, in which she describes her experience of employment with the Sterns. She began working as an office manager for SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show in September 2022 before becoming Howard Stern’s executive assistant in January 2024. In May 2024, she alleges the Sterns requested her to relocate to Southampton, New York, to assist with operations at their expansive mansion, named Oceanview.
According to the complaint, Kuhn was tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including staff management, payroll, and overseeing Beth Stern’s extensive in-home animal rescue operations. Her role, as outlined in the legal documents, became quite involved, leading to claims of significant stress related to disorganisation within the household and the pressures stemming from the animal care efforts.
Kuhn’s termination came on February 26, as she alleges she was informed via a letter from the Vice President of Finance at Howard Stern’s production company, One Twelve. The communication cited “downsizing or the elimination of a position” as the reason for her dismissal. However, Kuhn argues that the circumstances surrounding her termination were more complex, alleging that she faced accusations of misconduct that could harm her reputation and future employment prospects.
The lawsuit suggests that the issues within the workplace contributed to her termination, citing “immense pressures” linked to the household’s operations and unfavourable working conditions. Kuhn’s attorney, John J. Leonard, emphasised that these factors created a hostile environment that ultimately led to her dismissal.
At the time of her termination, Kuhn claims she was presented with a separation agreement, which included a confidentiality clause she deemed one-sided and unenforceable. She stated that she refused to sign this agreement, alleging that it was designed to protect only the Sterns. Further complicating matters, Kuhn was presented with another non-disclosure agreement in May 2025, which she asserts she did not sign. Her legal team describes these agreements as “fraudulent” and as a means to silence her regarding her experiences while employed by the couple.
The complaint contends that the confidentiality clause in the separation agreement is void as it was allegedly fabricated, stating that it covered other parties and information categories not included in the initial confidentiality agreement. Furthermore, Kuhn’s attorney claims that the signature on the agreement was not authentically hers, but rather a typewritten version, raising questions about the validity of the documents in question.
Leonard has issued statements asserting that the agreements created an unfair advantage for the Sterns and served to intimidate Kuhn into silence. The lawsuit reflects broader concerns about workplace conditions and the potential misuse of legal agreements to stifle employees.
The allegations against Howard and Beth Stern have drawn considerable media attention, with representatives for the couple yet to respond publicly to the complaint. This lawsuit highlights both the complexities of employment relationships and the potential difficulties faced by workers in high-profile positions, particularly when dealing with significant public figures.
As the case unfolds, it may provide insight into not only the specifics of Kuhn’s claims but also set precedence concerning the enforceability of non-disclosure agreements in the workplace, particularly within the realm of celebrity culture. The outcome of this legal battle could resonate beyond the immediate parties involved, sparking discussions on employee rights and protections within high-pressure work environments.