Kelly Clarkson responds to ‘toxic’ workplace claims

Kelly Clarkson has responded to allegations that her talk show has a “toxic work environment.”

The response comes after a Rolling Stone article alleged that producers “overworked” and “underpaid” the show’s crew members.

One of the former cast members also said that “working at the show was traumatizing to their mental health.”

“In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart and what I believed to be right,” Clarkson began her statement on Instagram. “I love my team at ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’, and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and or disrespected on this show is unacceptable.

“I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’. As we prepare for a move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our team that is moving, but also our new team in NY, is comprised of the best and kindest in the business.

“Part of that build will include leadership training for all of the senior staff, including myself. There is always room to grow and ensure we are all being/becoming the best versions of ourselves in any business, especially when it comes to leadership. To ensure that any notion of toxicity is eradicated.”

None of the complaints involved Clarkson

Clarkson’s response comes after Rolling Stone’s report in which 11 current and former staff members complained about the work environment at the show.

However, the complaints didn’t extend to Clarkson herself, with insiders telling the outlet that she is “fantastic” and has “no clue how unhappy her staff is.”

“I would be shocked if she knew,” one former employee told the outlet.

“I’d be floored if she knew the staff wasn’t getting paid for two weeks of Christmas hiatus. The Kelly that I interacted with and that everyone knows would probably be pretty aghast to learn that.”

One of the anonymous former employees placed much of the blame at executive producer Alex Duda: “I think Alex Duda’s a monster. I have a friend who’s an executive producer who warned me about taking this job, because apparently she has done this on every show she’s worked on.”