Ex-Assistant's Lawsuit: Sterns Allege 'Shakedown'

Former assistant Leslie Kuhn has filed a lawsuit against Howard and Beth Stern, alleging a hostile work environment and wrongful termination. Kuhn, who began working for the Sterns in September 2022 and became an executive assistant in January 2024, claims she was asked to relocate to Southampton, N.Y., in May 2024 to manage their mansion. She also alleges receiving assurances of a bonus and raise in December 2025.

However, Kuhn's employment was reportedly terminated in late February 2026, which she contends was due to a manufactured hostile work environment. She asserts she never signed a non-disclosure agreement, calling it "fraudulent and unenforceable." In response, Howard and Beth Stern's attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss Kuhn's suit, labeling it a "pretextual lawsuit founded on a series of bald-faced lies" and a "shakedown" to extract hush money.

The Sterns' legal team insists Kuhn "indisputably signed" the agreements and immediately sought negative publicity. They argue that Kuhn is attempting to capitalize on self-inflicted harm by manufacturing publicity and then demanding legal rescue. Attorneys for the Sterns stated they would not play out the situation publicly but intend to enforce the signed nondisclosure agreements.