Bourbon Heir Fired as CEO Amid Allegations of Secretly Filming Family Members
Family members claim hidden cameras captured intimate moments at a Florida vacation home and a Kentucky castle.
Wes Henderson, 60, a prominent figure in the bourbon industry and a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee, has been ousted as CEO of TKC Distilling. The dismissal follows allegations from family members that Henderson secretly filmed them while they were undressing and engaged in sexual activity.
Family members filed a lawsuit in June alleging invasion of privacy, voyeurism, and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor. According to the lawsuit, 15 hidden cameras were discovered at Henderson's vacation home near Melbourne, Florida, in June 2025. The family members claim that upon reviewing footage from these cameras, they found images of themselves in various states of undress, using the restroom, and engaging in intimate acts. The lawsuit further alleges that some underage family members were captured nude on the cameras.
In total, the family members allege that footage of 40 individuals, captured without their knowledge, was found. The cameras were reportedly disguised as common household items, including fire alarms, a mirror, a fan, a clock, a speaker, and bathroom air vents. Some footage allegedly showed Henderson placing cameras, including in areas with beds.
The lawsuit also claims that some video footage originated from SD cards found at the Kentucky Castle, a wedding and tourist destination that Henderson purchased in 2023. Henderson had planned to build a $92 million distillery for his whiskey brand, True Story, near the castle, but these plans are now on hold.
Following the discovery in Florida, family members, with the alleged permission of Henderson's wife, searched his Oldham County, Kentucky home, where an additional 15 cameras were reportedly found. The filing claims footage showed Henderson placing cameras in other individuals' homes, sometimes while reportedly wearing a firefighter's shirt.
Family members reportedly alerted authorities and turned over the cameras and SD cards from both locations. However, law enforcement officials have given conflicting accounts. Versailles Police Chief Rob Young stated that an official investigation has not been opened and that his department is working to identify which law enforcement agency is reportedly involved. Oldham County Police Chief Greg Smith confirmed his department is not involved in the case.
Henderson's attorney has denied the allegations, stating that the complaint will be voluntarily dismissed and that his client is prepared to defend himself vigorously if it is not. However, the family members claim that Henderson has apologized for his actions via text messages to multiple family members over the past 11 months.
The family members are seeking punitive damages for pain and suffering and medical expenses, and have requested a jury trial. Meanwhile, Henderson's son, Kyle Henderson, has taken over as CEO of both Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey. The company's board has stated it will conduct a full and independent investigation into the allegations.
