Kentucky Castle CEO Wes Henderson dismissed amid voyeurism lawsuit

TKC Distilling, the parent company of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey, terminated chief executive Wes Henderson on Oct. 3 following a sealed lawsuit that accuses him of secretly filming guests and family members in various stages of undress at the Kentucky Castle and other sites. The suit, filed in June in Oldham County, alleges that hidden cameras captured Henderson engaging in sexual activity with women other than his wife and recorded other adults, as well as a person appearing to be a homeless individual who may have been a minor.

The lawsuit identifies 40 individuals who were allegedly recorded without consent, with cameras reportedly concealed in objects such as fire alarms, fans, clocks and charging blocks. Some devices were capable of live streaming, potentially allowing third parties to view the footage.

"The termination of Henderson's employment is effective immediately," the board and leadership of TKC Distilling said in a statement.

Kyle Henderson, the oldest of Wes Henderson's six sons, will assume the CEO role while the board conducts a full and independent investigation. The plaintiffs seek punitive damages for invasion of privacy, voyeurism and alleged possession of material depicting a minor, and request a jury trial.

Henderson, who acquired the Kentucky Castle in 2023 and co-founded Angel's Envy bourbon, has also stepped down from his position as an Oldham County deputy coroner and taken unpaid leave. Angel's Envy has removed his name from its corporate history page. He faces additional unrelated lawsuits alleging more than $1.5 million in business debts.