Kelly Clarkson s Brandon Blackstock Lawsuit Isn t About Alimony She s Fighting for What s Owed
Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock. Getty Images (2)
Kelly Clarkson is asserting her authority professionally by filing a lawsuit against her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. According to a source, the lawsuit is not about alimony payments but about standing up for what she believes is fair and rightfully hers.
The insider mentions that the 41-year-old singer understands that she cannot completely cut ties with Brandon because he is the father of her children. However, she is firm in not allowing herself to be taken advantage of.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Clarkson took legal action on March 11 against Blackstock, 47, and his father's management company, Starstruck Entertainment, in a Los Angeles court. She claimed that Starstruck violated labor laws by acting as unlicensed talent agents and securing business deals without proper authorization during her time with the company.
Clarkson is requesting all payments dating back to 2007 when she joined the agency, as reported by Billboard.
In her filing, Clarkson stated that due to Starstruck's wrongful acts, she believes all agreements between them should be voided, no more payments should be made to Starstruck, and any money previously paid should be returned immediately.
Brandon’s lawyer Bryan Freedman responded to his ex-wife’s latest lawsuit in a statement to Rolling Stone. He expressed that it is morally, ethically, and legally incorrect to seek money from your ex-husband who not only supported her as her manager but also used the earnings on their children and their lifestyle during the marriage.
Despite facing a lawsuit from her ex-husband and his company, Clarkson remains steadfast. A source shared with Us that she is pleased to have resolved her spousal support payments and is looking forward to moving on from this legal battle.
Clarkson and Brandon divorced in 2020 after seven years of marriage. In March 2022, they reached a settlement. The former American Idol winner was granted primary custody of their two children, River (9) and Remington (7).
As part of the agreement, Clarkson is required to pay $45,601 a month in child support until their children reach the age of 18. Additionally, she made a one-time tax-free payment of $1,326,161 to Brandon when the divorce was finalized. Clarkson also began monthly payments of $115,000, which concluded in January.
Clarkson’s spousal support payments are now complete, giving her a sense of relief and a new beginning, according to a source.
The divorce between Clarkson and Brandon not only involved support payments but also led to a legal battle. Starstruck filed a lawsuit against the singer in September 2020, claiming millions in unpaid commissions and breach of contract. The company stated that they had invested a significant amount of resources into developing Clarkson into a successful superstar.
Clarkson fought back against Starstruck by countersuing them in November 2020. The reason was that Starstruck was found to be violating California’s Talent Agencies Act by acting as unlicensed talent agents. A judge made a ruling in November 2023 that the agency had improperly secured deals for Clarkson, such as her role as a judge on The Voice, which should have been handled by her team at Creative Artists Agency.
Brandon, the owner of Starstruck, was then instructed to repay the $2.6 million in commissions for that particular deal and others. Despite this, he is currently appealing the judgment and has a hearing scheduled for August.
With reporting by Sarah Jones
Editor's P/S:
Kelly Clarkson's ongoing legal battle against her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock and his management company is a testament to her strength and determination. Despite facing financial and legal challenges, she is standing up for what she believes is right. Her decision to address alleged labor law violations committed by Starstruck shows that she is not willing to be taken advantage of. While the situation is undoubtedly complex, Clarkson's unwavering resolve to protect her interests and ensure fairness is admirable.
Additionally, it is important to note that the divorce between Clarkson and Blackstock has been marked by both financial and legal complexities. The settlement agreement reached in March 2022 included substantial child support payments and a lump-sum payment to Blackstock. Clarkson has also been involved in a countersuit against Starstruck, which has resulted in a court ruling in her favor. The ongoing appeals process further highlights the intricate legal landscape surrounding this case. As the situation develops, it is likely that more details will emerge, shedding light on the complexities of divorce and the ongoing legal battles that can accompany it.