This article has been updated since its original publication date to include new info
Kelly Clarkson is suing Brandon Blackstock all over again – just three months after winning over $2.6M due to him overstepping his role as her manager and unlawfully securing deals that should have been handled by a talent agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA.)
The 41-year-old Kelly Clarkson Show host has been in an ongoing divorce battle with her ex-husband since June of 2020 when she originally filed for divorce after seven years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. Back in December 2023, it was reported that she had a huge win in court, as a California labor commissioner ordered Blackstock to pay Clarkson over $2.6M for unlawfully procuring business deals on behalf of the “Since U Been Gone” singer dating back to 2017. Now she is going after him again for deals going all the way back to 2007! Oof!
Kelly Clarkson's New Lawsuit Against Ex Brandon Blackstock
Blackstock is a producer and executive, and was Kelly’s manager for a portion of their marriage. Though their divorce was finalized in March of 2022, the legal war is not over, as she has just filed *another* lawsuit against him.
The latest lawsuit was filed against Blackstock and his father Narvel Blackstock's management company, Starstruck Entertainment, on Monday, March 11th. According to reports, the lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles court argues that Starstruck violated state labor rules by acting as unlicensed talent agents. According to Billboard, Clarkson is seeking a return of "any and all commissions, fees, profits, advances, producing fees or other monies" she paid to Starstruck, but this time the claim is being extended all the way back to 2007, whereas the previous case was only back to 2017.
Rolling Stone obtained a copy of Clarkson's filing, which read: "Based on the wrongful acts and conduct of Starstruck, all agreements between the parties, should be declared void and unenforceable, no monies should be paid by cross-complainants to Starstruck, and all monies previously paid by cross-complainants to Starstruck should be disgorged from Starstruck, forthwith."
More Details On Kelly Clarkson's December 2023 Lawsuit
Back in December, the "Mine" singer filed a lawsuit claiming that her ex-husband secured contracts with The Voice, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Norwegian Cruise Line, Wayfair, and the Billboard Music Awards, and took fees in return when he wasn't supposed to. The court ruled that Blackstock had to pay Clarkson $2,641,374 for overstepping his role as manager and unlawfully securing deals that should've been handled by a talent agent.
"Under the Talent Agencies Act (TAA), a manager, like any person without a talent agency license, cannot procure or attempt to procure employment for artists," the ruling said. Brandon's legal team has filed to appeal the ruling, especially after he was ruled to not have crossed any lines as manager with the Kelly Clarkson Show contract.
The fees that Blackstock received in return are definitely not inconsiderable: he was paid hefty commissions for the deals he secured. According to Rolling Stone, he received $1.98M for securing Kelly a spot as a coach on The Voice. For her promotional deal with NCL, he received $208,125, while for her collaboration with Wayfair, he received $450,000. And for her contract with Billboard Music Awards, he received $93.30.
Fan Reactions
Fans all took the "Stronger" singer's side in December 2023, commenting their support on different social media platforms. "He totally latched onto her for the money," one person wrote. "I hope she gets it ALL back!"
"Pay up Brandon!" another person added. "Everyone knew you were doing her wrong and cheating!"
"He's a grifter," a third fan wrote. "Glad Kelly is rid of him."
"Huge win for her!" another fan posted. "Proud of Kelly standing up for herself!"
"Kelly Clarkson really said: divorce, glow up & payback!" one person said.
"Dang, Girl! Divorce really does look good on Kelly Clarkson!" a final fan added.
