Kelly Clarkson addresses recent allegations of a toxic work environment behind the scenes of her daytime talk show.
The Kelly Clarkson Show The host took to Instagram Friday night, writing, “In the 20 years I’ve been in the entertainment industry I’ve always gone with my heart and what I thought was right. I love my team at The Kelly Clarkson ShowAnd knowing that anyone feels unheard or disrespected on this show is unacceptable.”
Her response comes after a Rolling Stone a report, published on Friday, claims the show’s producers are “overworked” and have “underpaid” staff behind the scenes. The employees also claimed that working on the daytime talk show was traumatic for their mental health.
The complaints came from a current employee and 10 former employees who spoke to the magazine anonymously. A former employee said, “I remember getting up on the roof of the podium to cry, and saying, ‘Oh, my God, what am I doing?'” Why would I put myself through this? “
Another former employee said specifically, “I think Alex Duda [execitive producer] Monster. I have an executive producer friend who warned me against taking this job, because apparently she has done it on every show I’ve worked on.”
Staff said Clarkson was “amazing” and that they “would be shocked if she knew” what was going on. Another employee added that the flight attendant “has no idea how upset her staff is.”
Clarkson’s statement continued, “I have always been, and will remain, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment in The Kelly Clarkson Show. As we prepare to move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our moving team, but also our new team in New York are made up of the best and the best in the business.”
“Part of this build will include leadership training for all senior staff, including myself,” the statement read. “There is always room to grow and make sure we all/become the best version of ourselves in any business. Especially when it comes to leadership, to ensure that any notion of toxicity is eliminated.”
“Lifelong beer expert. General travel enthusiast. Social media buff. Zombie maven. Communicator.”