(AmoMama) - Kelly Clarkson took a significant step in her legal battle against her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, by filing a new cross-complaint. This action is part of an ongoing dispute that emerged from their divorce, questioning the legality of their business agreements.
Clarkson's move aims to nullify these agreements, arguing they were made under conditions that breached the Talent Agencies Act since Blackstock was not a licensed agent.
The origins of this dispute trace back to a lawsuit initiated by Starstruck Entertainment, Blackstock's family-run management firm, which Clarkson countered with her filing.
The "Since You've Been Gone" songstress claimed that Starstruck and Blackstock unlawfully acted as her talent agency, violating state labor laws since their collaboration began in 2007.
Clarkson's filing seeks not only to void the questionable agreements but also demands the return of all payments made to Starstruck. She also sought a thorough accounting to determine if she is owed more than the previously awarded $2.6 million.
Blackstock's response, through his lawyer Bryan Freedman, criticizes Clarkson's efforts to reclaim funds. “It is morally, ethically, and legally wrong to attempt to get monies back from your ex-husband who not only helped her as her manager but who used those earnings on their children and Kelly and Brandon’s lifestyle during the marriage,” Freedman said.
Public opinion on Clarkson's legal action is mixed. Many fans express support, praising her determination to fight for her rights.
Comments on social media reflect admiration for Clarkson's stance, with messages of encouragement, including "Go get 'em Kelly! They took advantage of you" and "Pray u get it!! Every cent!" Another added, "Get what you deserve Kelly."
However, some voices criticize her approach, illustrating the divisive nature of public divorces. "Kelly seems quite bitter about the divorce. She needs to move on!" one person wrote on social media. "Now she's just being vindictive," another echoed.
A few others shared their sentiments regarding the legal developments, writing, "I wonder what her kids say about the lawsuits!" and "Kelly must have a great team of lawyers. Ole Brandon thought he was just gonna live off Kelly forever."
The legal dispute between Clarkson and Blackstock gained significant attention when a labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock owed Clarkson more than $2.6 million in 2023. This ruling was based on Blackstock's unauthorized business dealings on Clarkson's behalf.
Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower's decision highlighted that Clarkson's ex engaged in activities reserved for licensed talent agents, such as securing her spot on "The Voice" and arranging deals with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Wayfair, resulting in him unlawfully earning commissions. Consequently, Blackstock was mandated to repay Clarkson $2,641,374 for these commissions.
Married in 2013, the ex-couple shares two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. Blackstock also has two children from a previous marriage, blending their family dynamics. Their divorce in 2020 set the stage for the current legal battles.
The divorce was finalized in 2022. As part of the settlement, Clarkson agreed to make a significant one-time payment to Blackstock, amounting to $1,326,161, which was designated as tax-free.
Additionally, Clarkson committed to ongoing financial support for their children, setting the monthly child support payments at $45,601, starting from February 1. An aspect of their settlement included the mutual decision to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.
This agreement was notably influenced by the children's need to travel between parents, who now reside in different states. Clarkson and Blackstock agreed to joint custody, with the stipulation that the children would primarily live with Clarkson in Los Angeles.
Not long after Kelly Clarkson stunned online users with her most recent social upload. She appeared fairly different as she seemingly lost weight, leaving her beloved fans in awe.
Clarkson moved to New York City, where her talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," will now be taped in the same building as "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
The "Stronger" hitmaker appeared on Fallon's talk show on October 14, 2023, and a behind-the-scenes clip before filming began was shared under the show's Instagram page alongside the caption that read: "@kellyclarkson is here (literally)! #FallonTonight @kellyclarksonshow.”
Clarkson also posted a solo picture of her beaming self as she donned an all-black outfit including trousers and a semi-transparent lace blouse showing her slimmed-down figure. She wore her curly blonde locks down and accessorized with hoop earrings.
The superstar captioned her Instagram post. "Rough commute tonight to hang with @jimmyfallon across the hall #neighbors #tunein @fallontonight."
Clarkson has been body-shamed before, and in a September 2017 interview, she revealed how she handles people who talk negatively about her weight. She said:
"It doesn't really affect me. […] I come from a small town where everybody always has something to say about what you love, pray, and eat. […] I think I was groomed for the business in a sense."
The Texas native further explained that she has consistently brushed off comments about her appearance because she is playful and confident. However, she stressed that naysayers should generally stop bringing it up regardless of whether a person is unbothered.
The songwriter has also openly discussed the aging process on her talk show. In March 2022, she had actress Anne Hathaway as a guest, and they both talked about turning 40.
Clarkson admitted she was "excited" about the milestone. The singer added that she loves growing older and believes "life gets exponentially better" as she ages.
By Bettina Dizon
March 18, 2024
