Howard Stern’s former assistant, Leslie Kuhn, has sparked significant controversy with a lawsuit alleging a hostile work environment during her tenure with the famed radio host and his wife, Beth Stern. Kuhn filed the lawsuit on April 5, claiming unjust termination and a toxic workplace atmosphere. In response, Stern’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations, labelling the lawsuit a “shakedown” initiated by Kuhn to extort money from the couple.
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According to court documents, Kuhn initially joined The Howard Stern Show as an office manager in September 2022, later advancing to the role of executive assistant to Howard Stern himself by January 2024. She alleges that, in May 2024, the couple requested her to relocate to Southampton, New York, to assist in managing their substantial 20,000-square-foot residence. Her employment, however, took a dramatic turn when she claims she received a notice of termination in late February 2025.
In her complaint, Kuhn argues that her firing was a direct result of a hostile work environment perpetuated by the Sterns, particularly Beth Stern. She contends that the reasons given for her termination were fabricated and misleading. Her attorney, John J. Leonard, asserts that the conflict was exacerbated by Beth Stern’s actions, suggesting that the work environment had become untenable.
Kuhn further claims that before her dismissal, the Sterns imposed confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements on her, which she alleges were fraudulent and unenforceable. This claim forms part of her argument indicating that she did not even sign these agreements and that they were, in fact, one-sided.
In a swift response, Howard and Beth Stern’s legal representatives filed a motion to dismiss Kuhn’s lawsuit. Their motion describes Kuhn’s claims as “a thinly veiled attempted shakedown” and alleges that she devised a scheme to secure what they term a “hush-money” payment. The legal team’s filings assert that Kuhn “manufactured a nonexistent dispute,” asserting that her accusations are built on “bald-faced lies.”
Stern’s attorneys insist that Kuhn had indeed signed the necessary non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, and assert that she has sought to create negative publicity for the Sterns. According to their filing, Kuhn’s publicity-seeking behaviour led her to rush to the media with her allegations, hoping that the Sterns would choose to pay her off to avoid further escalation.
The motion also highlights that the Sterns never publicly disparaged Kuhn, with the only reason her termination came into the media spotlight being her decision to file and sensationalise the lawsuit. Their motion argues that Kuhn is attempting to portray herself as a victim while manufacturing a narrative to justify her claim for damages.
In statements to the press, a representative for the Sterns reiterated their intent to resolve the matter through the courts rather than engaging in public discourse. The spokesperson acknowledged the right of the Sterns to uphold non-disclosure agreements, particularly in relation to the privacy of their home and personal lives.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case highlights the tensions that can arise in high-pressure work environments, especially for individuals who operate in the public eye. Media attention surrounding celebrities often complicates such disputes, drawing in both public sympathy and scrutiny.
As of now, the court proceedings are ongoing, with both parties preparing for potential hearings. The outcome could set significant precedents for workplace rights, confidentiality agreements, and the responsibilities of celebrities towards their employees. Legal experts will likely be closely watching how this case develops, due to its implications not only for the parties involved but for workplace dynamics in entertainment in general.