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Kelly Clarkson answers allegations that producers on her show are ‘monsters’ behind the scenes

May 14, 2023 | | Print Article

It is difficult to imagine anyone in singer Kelly Clarkson’s circle having a nasty attitude.

The bubbly talk show host and premiere “American Idol” champion has a sparkling, positive personality that has captured the hearts of millions of her devoted fans, and her empathetic mentoring of would-be stars on “The Voice” has fueled the dreams of those who wish to follow in her footsteps.

Even disgruntled current and former employees of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” say the chatty celeb is “fantastic,” but, behind the scenes, her producers are “monsters,” according to 11 anonymous staffers who spoke with Rolling Stone.


(Video: YouTube)

One current employee and 10 who have left the show told Rolling Stone that “they were overworked, underpaid, and that working at the show was traumatizing to their mental health.”

“The Kelley Clarkson Show,” they allege, is “a toxic environment” and the show’s executive producer, Alex Duda, is known in the industry for making her employees suffer.

“I think Alex Duda’s a monster,” one former employee said. “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.”

If Clarkson was unaware “of how bad things are for lower-level staffers” as the employees claim, she knows about it now.

In a statement released on social media, Clarkson expressed her love for her “team.”

“In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart and what I believed to be right,” she said. “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.”


(Video: YouTube)

“I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show,'” she continued.

Last week, Variety reported that Clarkson is moving her show to the Big Apple, setting up shop in NBC Studios at 30 Rock.


(Video: YouTube)

“A new state-of-the-art studio will be built for Clarkson’s show, as well as a technical facility and support space,” according to the outlet.

Clarkson addressed the move in her statement.

“As we prepare for a move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our team is moving, but also our new team in NY is comprised of the best and kindest in the business,” she said. “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 version of ourselves in any business, especially when it comes to leadership, to ensure that any notion of toxicity is eradicated,” she wrote.

Online, Clarkson’s frank approach to addressing the issue is yet another reason for her fans to love her.

“My daughter and I were on the second season of @KellyClarksonTV,” one Twitter user wrote. “@kellyclarkson and the producers we worked with were nothing but kind and genuinely excited to share our story.”

“How Kelly has quickly responded to the anonymous expose is how you handle a PR crisis,” the user stated.

“Anyone who has followed you and your career all this time knows that you have a kind soul and would never foster that sort of environment,” another replied. “As always, when you’re just yourself, you win and everyone around you wins. Thanks for being who you are.”

“We all know your heart Kelly, and we know you always want the best for others and you lead with love and respect and good intentions,” stated a third. “On your side always.”

Melissa Fine
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