Howard Stern Sued for 'Toxic Work' Environment

Stern and wife

A former assistant, Leslie Kuhn, has sued Howard Stern and his wife, Beth Ostrosky Stern, in New York County Supreme Court, alleging a hostile work environment and claiming nondisclosure agreements she signed were fraudulently executed, court documents obtained by USA TODAY show.

Kuhn, who previously worked as an office manager on The Howard Stern Show and later served as the Sterns’ live‑in assistant, named Howard Stern Production Company and One Twelve Inc. — Stern’s production entities — as additional defendants in the complaint.

The suit alleges Kuhn was subjected to a hostile work environment during her employment and contends that two nondisclosure agreements barring her from revealing personal details about Howard Stern were signed fraudulently. The complaint says Kuhn “fully intends to disclose details concerning the facts surrounding her employment by Stern, Beth Stern, [SiriusXM] and One Twelve and termination of that employment as necessary to address the accusations made against her and to protect her reputation and future employment prospects.”

The filing did not disclose specific incidents, damages sought, or the timeline of alleged misconduct beyond Kuhn’s roles with the Sterns. Representatives for Howard and Beth Stern, SiriusXM and One Twelve Inc. had not publicly responded to the lawsuit as of the filing.

Procedurally, the case will move through pleading and possible discovery phases; defendants typically have an opportunity to answer or file motions to dismiss. Observers will watch for any statements from the parties, the full complaint’s detailed allegations, and whether the case prompts settlement talks or proceeds to trial.