Show summary Hide summary
A former personal assistant to Howard and Beth Stern has launched a legal battle, accusing the couple of fostering a hostile workplace and using problematic business practices. The complaint, filed in New York, challenges her dismissal and the confidentiality pacts she says were imposed at the time.
Details of the complaint and where it was filed
The suit was brought by Leslie Kuhn in the Supreme Court of the State of New York. She says her employment ended in February after what she calls a manufactured termination.
Hilary Swank’s husband Philip Schneider: inside the businessman behind the star
Polska pregnant and betrayed by a close friend: she is very, very shocked
- Plaintiff: Leslie Kuhn, former assistant and office manager.
- Defendants: Howard Stern and Beth Stern.
- Venue: Supreme Court of the State of New York.
- Primary claims: hostile work environment, unenforceable confidentiality agreements, and questionable business operations.
How Kuhn describes her job and timeline of events
Kuhn says she joined the Stern household staff in September 2022 as an office manager. In January 2024, she was promoted to executive assistant to Howard Stern. A few months later, she says she was asked to relocate to Southampton to work at the couple’s mansion.
Responsibilities she alleges she performed
- Coordinating household staff and creating schedules.
- Handling payroll and day-to-day household management.
- Supporting extensive at-home feline rescue and foster activities.
Allegations about workplace conditions and operations
Kuhn’s filing alleges a range of workplace problems. She claims the household environment became difficult to manage due to disorganized operations and pressure related to on-site animal rescue work. The complaint points to staffing turmoil, chaotic accounting, and other irregularities.
The suit asserts that these conditions led to an intolerable workplace and contributed to the decision to end her employment. Kuhn contends that the termination was not for legitimate cause.
Dispute over NDAs and confidentiality agreements
At the time of her departure, Kuhn says she was presented with a separation package that included a non-disclosure agreement and a confidentiality agreement. She argues those documents are fraudulent and unenforceable and one-sided.
Kuhn’s legal team maintains the agreements were used to silence her and prevent her from answering accusations that could harm her reputation and livelihood.
Legal claims tied to the agreements
- Invalidity of the NDA and confidentiality pact.
- Allegation that the agreements were imposed as leverage.
- Claim that the documents are non-mutual and unfair.
Relief sought by the plaintiff
Kuhn seeks a court order releasing her from the confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations. She is also asking for legal costs and any other relief the court deems proper.
Her attorney argues the documents were a tool to keep her silent and deprived her of the chance to defend herself against damaging claims.
Context and next steps in the case
The filing sets the stage for litigation over workplace treatment and the enforceability of settlement agreements in private employment contexts. If the court finds the agreements invalid, Kuhn would be free to make public the facts she says are relevant to her employment.
