Kelly Clarkson files cross-complaint against ex Brandon Blackstock as battle over commissions intensifies
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelly Clarkson has reportedly filed a cross-complaint against her former spouse Brandon Blackstock after he sued her over unpaid commissions.
The 41-year-old singer and Brandon were married between 2013 and 2021 and he acted as her manager on behalf of Starstruck Entertainment, the company owned by his father, Narvel Blackstock, as per RadarOnline.
Starstruck Entertainment claimed Kelly Clarkson didn't pay $1.4 million in commissions
Starstruck Entertainment reportedly signed Clarkson in 2007 and as part of their agreement, she had to pay 15 percent of her gross earnings as commission.
However, in its 2020 lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the firm alleged that the singer did not give it $1.4 million in commissions from her work on 'The Voice' and 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' after problems began in the former pair's relationship.
It reportedly claimed, "Over the course of approximately 13 years, Starstruck developed Clarkson into a mega superstar," as per Variety.
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The company continued, "By way of example only, Starstruck was instrumental in helping Clarkson achieve success in terms of numerous hit albums, multiple Grammy wins and nominations, her role on popular television shows like ‘The Voice’ and her own talk show."
It further stated, "Despite Starstruck’s hard work and dedication, Clarkson has decided she is going to stop paying Starstruck for what is contractually owed."
Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock was previously asked to pay her $2.6 million
Clarkson challenged the suit by filing a petition with the California Labor Commission and accused her ex-husband of defrauding her and wrongfully becoming her talent agent.
The 'Broken & Beautiful' hitmaker eventually won the petition in 2023 and as part of it, the California Labor Commission asked Brandon to pay her $2.6 million.
However, Brandon and his father's company did not agree with the ruling and filed an appeal against it. Clarkson reportedly argued that they could not appeal the verdict without posting a bond of $5.2 million as per the California Labor Commission verdict.
In her cross-complaint, the attorneys of the mother-of-two stated, "Based on the wrongful acts and conduct of Starstruck, as alleged hereinabove, including the violations of Sections 1700, et seq of the California Labor Code, the alleged Agreement, and 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."
Besides, Clarkson apparently wants the court to nullify the management agreement signed with Starstruck Entertainment, regarding all "monies or things of value received directly or indirectly by Starstruck in connection with any services rendered or to be rendered by Cross-Complainants as artists in the entertainment industry."
