Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Backstock hits back at new lawsuit she filed in March
Kelly Clarkson settled her divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2022, but the legal battle over their business relationship rages on.
The American Idol OG winner’s ex-husband also served as her manager, and untangling that relationship has been brutal.
The latest development comes from Blackstock, who has fired back at the lawsuit the daytime talk show host filed against him in March.
In her latest suit, Kelly claimed that she should be awarded more than the $2.6 million that a California labor commissioner ruled Blackstock owed her from allegedly overstepping his legal limits as her manager. He requested it be dismissed in a Monday, April 15 filing.
According to court documents obtained by People magazine, Blackstock and his management firm Starstruck Management deny “each and every allegation” raised by Kelly, who accused them of violating state labor laws since 2007 when she entered into an oral agreement with the company.
Blackstock argues that Kelly’s suit should be dismissed
The papers Blackstock filed in California argue that Kelly’s suit should be dismissed because the ruling made by the labor commissioner in November 2023 “is binding on Clarkson.” Because she did not “file a notice of appeal within 10 days” from when the decision was made in order to request more than the $2,641,374 that was ruled upon, Blackstock and his attorneys claim it is outside of the proper jurisdiction to file a separate lawsuit now.
Blackstock also claims that the alleged illegal earnings he and Starstruck Management garnered were already paid into his and his ex-wife’s community estate and, were she to be awarded more damages, the fee should be reduced because of that.
The papers also state, “[Clarkson’s] Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action against Starstruck and is, therefore, barred for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.”
The labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock and Starstruck Management violated California’s Talent Agencies Act, which states managers cannot procure or try to procure employment for artists unless they act in conjunction with a licensed agent.
Blackstock and his legal team filed an appeal last December.
Kelly asks for a “full and complete accounting” of monies received by Blackstock’s company
Kelly filed her suit in March alleging that Blackstock took fees in return for securing contracts with the Billboard Music Awards, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Norwegian Cruise Line, The Voice and Wayfair.
The singer asked for a “full and complete accounting from Starstruck of all monies received by Starstruck, directly or indirectly, in connection with any and all contracts, employment, or engagements pertaining in any way to the personal services of [Clarkson],” including commissions, fees, profits, advances and producing fees.”
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock were married in October 2013. He operated as her manager from 2017 to 2020. Kelly filed for divorce in 2020. In September 2020 Starstruck sued Kelly, claiming she owed over $1.4 million in unpaid commissions. She then responded by filing documents alleging Blackstock, Starstruck and his associates of violating the Talent Agencies Act.
The former couple’s divorce was settled in 2022. Kelly was ordered to pay Blackstock a one-time payment of over $1.3 million, in addition to a $45,601 monthly child support payment. The two are parents of daughter River, 9, and son Remy, 8.
