Howard Stern hits back in bitter legal showdown with former assistant

Howard Stern has hit back hard after his former assistant Leslie Kuhn launched legal action against him and his wife, Beth Stern, over claims of a hostile work environment and disputed workplace agreements.

The 72-year-old radio shock jock is not holding back, with his legal team branding the case a “thinly veiled attempted shakedown” and accusing Kuhn of trying to force a “staggering hush-money payment” from the couple.

Kuhn, who began working with Stern’s SiriusXM show in 2022 before later becoming his executive assistant, filed the lawsuit in April. 

She claims her role expanded dramatically after she moved into working at the Sterns’ Southampton home in 2024, where she was allegedly tasked not only with office duties but also household management, staff oversight, payroll responsibilities and even helping with their cat rescue operations.

Her legal filing alleges she was later presented with “fraudulent and unenforceable” non-disclosure agreements and says a promised salary rise and bonus were never properly delivered. 

Kuhn also claims her termination in February 2026 came amid what she describes as an increasingly stressful and “hostile” working environment.

She is now asking the court to rule that the NDAs she signed are invalid, arguing they were improperly handled and even backdated, allowing her to speak freely about her time with the couple.

However, Stern’s side is pushing back strongly. 

His attorneys insist Kuhn “indisputably signed” confidentiality agreements and argue she is now trying to rewrite what happened after the fact. 

They also claim she went to the media immediately after her dismissal in an effort to create publicity and pressure for a payout.

In a further statement, Stern’s legal team said the Sterns never publicly criticised Kuhn and argue she is the one escalating the dispute by turning it into a high-profile court battle.

The case is now set to continue, with both sides firmly dug in and refusing to back down.

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