Wes Henderson, a Kentucky bourbon executive, was removed from his position earlier this month after relatives accused him of secretly recording family members and guests at his homes and a castle resort, according to published reports.
TKC Distilling, the parent company of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey, terminated Henderson as CEO on Oct. 3.
Family members sued Henderson in Oldham County, Kentucky, in June, according to The Courier Journal, which obtained a copy of the complaint before it was sealed.
Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy Chief Innovations Officer at the time, attends the Unbridled Eve Gala during the 144th Kentucky Derby at Galt House Hotel & Suites on May 4, 2018, in Louisville, Ky. (Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)
The Department of Homeland Security is now reviewing the hidden recordings Henderson allegedly made, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. News Outlet contacted DHS for comment.
Henderson’s attorney said in a statement, according to the Herald-Leader, that his client “unequivocally denies the allegations in the lawsuit.” The attorney added that the complaint is expected to be voluntarily dismissed and said Henderson would “vigorously defend himself” if the case continues.
The relatives said they discovered concealed cameras during a June 2025 visit to Henderson’s vacation property near Melbourne, Florida. According to their allegations, they removed roughly 15 devices, some disguised as fire alarms. Others were reportedly hidden inside a fan, clock, speaker, charging blocks and outlet extenders.
They also allegedly discovered a camera inside a bathroom air vent, as well as footage appearing to show Henderson placing a camera in front of a bed.
The complaint alleged that guests were recorded while changing clothes and using bathrooms without knowing they were being filmed. It also described recordings of people engaged in sexual acts and footage allegedly showing Henderson, who is married, having sex with other women.
The lawsuit further alleged that minors were captured on camera while nude. After viewing some of the recordings, relatives provided the evidence to authorities.
Relatives later received permission from Henderson’s wife to search the couple’s home in Oldham County, where the lawsuit said they found more hidden cameras.
Other memory cards allegedly contained recordings made at The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky, which Henderson owns.
Kentucky Castle in Lexington, Kentucky. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The complaint reportedly named 40 people who appeared in the recordings without their knowledge or consent. Those allegedly recorded included a homeless person carrying what appeared to be a medical device into a restroom.
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The plaintiffs are seeking damages for pain and suffering as well as medical expenses, and they have requested a jury trial, according to The Courier Journal.
Charity Bird, an attorney for TKC Distilling, told News Outlet that the company is not named as a party in the lawsuit. She said Henderson’s son, Kyle Henderson, will become CEO of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey.
“The Board and leadership of TKC Distilling, the parent company of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey, have terminated the employment of CEO Wes Henderson, effective immediately, in light of allegations outlined in a recently filed lawsuit,” Bird said in an emailed statement.
Henderson’s attorney has denied the allegations in a statement to the Herald-Leader. The attorney said Henderson believes the plaintiffs will dismiss the case but is prepared to contest the claims if they continue pursuing the lawsuit.
Wes Henderson attends the 145th Kentucky Derby Unbridled Eve Gala at The Galt House Hotel & Suites Grand Ballroom in Louisville, Ky., on May 3, 2019. (Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)
Separately, TKC Distilling and affiliated businesses have been sued over claims involving unpaid architectural and consulting fees.
Henderson, a former firefighter, recently took a leave of absence as the Oldham County deputy coroner, Oldham County Coroner David Pendleton told the Courier Journal.
Meanwhile, the exact location of the recordings and devices remains unclear.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida and the Oldham County Police Department in Kentucky did not immediately respond to News Outlet’s requests for comment on whether they have taken possession of the evidence.
Versailles Police Chief Rob Young told News Outlet that his department is “not involved in the investigation.”
“We don’t know anything about it,” Young said.
Bird said that TKC Distilling’s board plans to “conduct a full and independent investigation into the allegations.”
“The company remains committed to addressing the matter responsibly and to ensuring that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and fairly.”
Henderson could not immediately be reached for comment.
