Analyzing Kelly Clarkson's High-Profile Legal Disputes with Ex Brandon Blackstock Post-Divorce

Breaking Down Kelly Clarkson s Lawsuits Against Ex Brandon Blackstock Following Their Divorce 126

Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock. Getty Images (2)

Kelly Clarkson and her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's separation resulted in a prolonged legal dispute that continues to unfold.

In June 2020, the 41-year-old singer and talk show host officially filed for divorce from Blackstock after almost seven years of marriage. This decision triggered a string of legal battles involving spousal support, the custody of their two children - daughter River and son Remington, as well as Clarkson's Montana ranch.

Clarkson faced legal battles not only with her ex-husband but also with her former father-in-law, Narvel Blackstock, and his management company, Starstruck Management Group, where Brandon also works. The company accused Clarkson of owing them millions in unpaid fees. In response, Clarkson filed a counter lawsuit claiming that the organization was not properly licensed.

To see all of the legal troubles that Clarkson and Brandon have been dealing with since their separation, continue scrolling.

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Montana Ranch Debacle

The former Montana ranch owned by the exes played a significant role in their divorce. Kelly Clarkson was the sole owner of the property, having purchased it herself. Brandon had expressed his desire to transition from the entertainment industry to become a full-time rancher. While Clarkson wanted to sell the house, Brandon argued that he needed the property for his work.

During their divorce, Brandon stayed at the property, claiming he couldn't afford to live elsewhere. In August 2021, a judge decided that Brandon had to cover the $81,000 monthly costs of maintaining the ranch while the legal proceedings continued. Despite Clarkson's attempt to have him evicted, she was unsuccessful.

In January 2022, Clarkson agreed to give Brandon a five percent share of the ranch. By May of the same year, Brandon had moved out and purchased his own home in Montana.

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Kelly Clarkson Faces Lawsuit from Starstruck

In September 2020, Kelly Clarkson was sued by Starstruck Management Group, a company she had been working with since 2007, just three months after separating from her husband Brandon. The company claimed that Clarkson owed them $1.4 million in unpaid commissions, on top of the $1.9 million she had already paid. They also alleged that she owed them commission for her work on The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Voice, as per court documents obtained by Variety in September 2020.

Clarkson Countersues

In November 2020, Clarkson filed a countersuit, claiming that Blackstock and the company had violated the California Labor Code. According to documents obtained by People at the time, the violation involved "procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment or engagements" without the proper licensing.

Starstruck’s attorney Bryan Freedman shared with People magazine about the lawsuit. He mentioned that Kelly Clarkson had her own licensed representation as well as the representation from her former spouse’s company.

Freedman stated, “Starstruck Management Group provided talent management services for Kelly while CAA was her agency. It’s disappointing that Kelly is trying to avoid paying commissions owed to Starstruck in an attempt to gain an advantage in her custody and divorce proceedings.”

In November 2023, it was decided by a California labor commissioner that Brandon had overcharged Clarkson during his time as her music manager. Documents obtained by TMZ revealed that Brandon was required to pay his ex-wife $2,641,374 in commissions.

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Divorce Settlement

In March 2020, after two years of divorce proceedings, Kelly Clarkson and her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock reached a settlement. Clarkson was granted primary custody of their two children, River, 9, and Remington, 7. Brandon will have the kids for one weekend a month in either Montana or Los Angeles.

As part of the agreement, Clarkson agreed to pay $45,601 per month in child support until their children turn eighteen. Additionally, she agreed to pay Brandon $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024. Clarkson also made a one-time, tax-free payment of $1,326,161 to Blackstock.

Clarkson's Lawsuit Against Blackstock for Labor Violations

In March 2024, Clarkson filed a lawsuit against Brandon Blackstock and Starstruck for unpaid fees dating back to 2007, the year she initially joined their agency. According to Billboard, Clarkson is requesting the return of all commissions, fees, profits, advances, producing fees, and any other money she had previously paid to the agency. She alleges that Starstruck has violated state labor regulations.

Editor's P/S:

The legal battles between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock following their separation have been a complex and drawn-out affair. The dispute has involved multiple lawsuits, allegations of unpaid fees, and custody battles over their children. Clarkson has faced legal challenges not only from her ex-husband but also from his former father-in-law and his management company, adding further complexity to the situation.

One notable aspect of the legal proceedings is the ongoing dispute over the Montana ranch owned by Clarkson. Brandon's desire to transition to ranching and Clarkson's wish to sell the property have created a contentious issue. The court's decision to have Brandon cover the ranch's maintenance costs while he resided there and Clarkson's unsuccessful attempt to evict him highlight the challenges in resolving such matters. The eventual agreement to give Brandon a share of the ranch and his subsequent move to a new home demonstrate the compromises that have been necessary to reach settlements in this protracted legal dispute.