TKC Distilling removes CEO Wes Henderson amid privacy lawsuit
The board of TKC Distilling terminated Wes Henderson as chief executive following court filings that accuse him of secretly recording individuals, including at The Kentucky Castle.
TKC Distilling, the parent company of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey, announced on Saturday that Wes Henderson has been removed as chief executive, effective immediately, according to the company’s attorney Charity Bird. The decision follows court filings that allege Henderson secretly recorded people without their consent at various locations, including a vacation home in Florida and The Kentucky Castle, with some recordings reportedly capturing sexual activity.
The lawsuit, which remains sealed, accuses Henderson of invasion of privacy, voyeurism and possession of material depicting a sexual performance by a minor. It states that hidden cameras were discovered at Henderson’s Florida residence in June 2025, some of which were capable of live-streaming, and that footage was handed over to law enforcement. Additional cameras and recordings were reportedly found at his Kentucky property.
Henderson, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee and founder of Angel’s Envy, denied the allegations. His attorney said, "Wes unequivocally denies the allegations in the lawsuit. It is our understanding that the complaint will be voluntarily dismissed. If that does not happen, he is prepared to vigorously defend himself."
Bird said Kyle Henderson, one of Wes Henderson’s sons, will assume CEO duties for both The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey, and that the board will conduct a full, independent investigation into the claims. No criminal charges have been reported.
The entrepreneur, who purchased The Kentucky Castle in 2023 and launched the True Story whiskey brand, also faces several unrelated civil suits over debts tied to his hospitality and distilling ventures. Architects Luckett & Farley claim more than $936,000 is owed, consultant Peggy Noe Stevens seeks over $510,000, and GMR Marketing alleges a debt exceeding $120,000. All three cases remain pending.