Howard Stern and Wife Beth Face Legal Action from Former Employee
Radio personality Howard Stern, 73, and his wife Beth Stern, 52, are facing a lawsuit from their former executive assistant Leslie Kuhn, who alleges the couple fostered a hostile work environment and used a fraudulent non-disclosure agreement to silence her. The legal complaint, obtained by The Daily Mail, names Stern, his wife, and their production companies One Twelve, Inc. and The Howard Stern Production Company, Inc. as defendants.
Employment Timeline and Allegations
According to court documents, Kuhn was first employed by SiriusXM on The Howard Stern Show as an office manager in September 2022. She became Stern's executive assistant in January 2024. The complaint states that at no time was her employment conditioned on signing any employment contract or confidentiality agreement.
In May 2024, at the request of the Sterns, Kuhn relocated to Southampton, New York, to work at the couple's $20 million property described as an "apocalypse bunker." Kuhn claims that Beth Stern significantly expanded her duties beyond her original role, requiring her to manage mansion staff, handle payroll, and oversee household operations including the couple's well-known at-home cat rescue and fostering operation.
Termination and NDA Controversy
Kuhn's employment was terminated in February 2026, which she attributes to a hostile work environment, immense pressures from animal rescue operations on-site, and disorganized business practices. She claims that before her termination, she was accused of alleged misconduct by One Twelve's Vice President of Finance Mark D. Garten, allegations she denies.
The lawsuit reveals that in December 2025, Kuhn received a letter from Stern's production company promising a raise to $265,000 and an $80,000 bonus for 2026. However, following her termination, a law firm representing One Twelve presented her with a separation agreement containing a non-disclosure agreement dated February 26, 2026.
Kuhn alleges this NDA was manufactured to appear as if she had signed it years earlier when she first began working for Stern. She claims the signature on the document is merely her typewritten name in the same font used throughout the agreement, and that she never signed such a document. The complaint specifically alleges that Beth Stern was instrumental in creating this allegedly fraudulent agreement.
Legal Requests and Broader Context
Kuhn has asked the court to declare both the NDA and confidentiality agreement unenforceable, which would allow her to discuss her employment and termination freely. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for the Sterns for comment but has not yet received a response.
This legal action comes against the backdrop of Stern's recent professional developments. Last year, the shock jock announced he had signed a new three-year deal with SiriusXM, ending months of speculation about his show's future. This marked his third contract extension with the satellite radio company, following previous agreements in 2010 and 2020. The 2020 deal was reportedly worth $500 million over five years according to Forbes.
Stern's announcement generated mixed reactions online, with some social media users criticizing the extension and suggesting he should have retired. During his announcement, Stern acknowledged his age but expressed continued passion for radio while also desiring more free time. He revealed the new contract would allow for summers off and limited studio visits.
Contract Negotiation History
Rumors about Stern's future with SiriusXM had circulated since August 2025, intensifying when he postponed his September return after summer break. Sources at the time suggested the delay stemmed from frustrations over contract negotiations. One insider indicated Stern might accept a shorter contract if financial terms were met, while another suggested he might sell his show catalog to replay on Howard 100 and Howard 101 channels if no agreement was reached.
The situation culminated in a September prank segment with TV personality Andy Cohen, who temporarily hosted the program and suggested the show would be renamed Andy 100. Stern revealed the prank twenty minutes later, explaining his delayed return was due to illness rather than contract issues. He expressed frustration about retirement rumors interfering with his actual considerations about leaving radio.
Stern joined what was then Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. in 2006, becoming one of broadcasting's highest-paid personalities and significantly impacting both the company and industry. At its peak, The Howard Stern Show reached 60 markets and attracted over 20 million listeners.
