Shocking Showdown: Inside Kelly Clarkson's Epic Lawsuit Against Former Father-In-Law

Kelly Clarkson, Narvel Blackstock. Matt Baron/Shutterstock; AFF-USA/Shutterstock

Kelly Clarkson's lengthy legal battle with her former father-in-law's talent company is finally nearing its end. It has been three years since Narvel Blackstock and Starstruck Management Group filed a lawsuit against the singer for unpaid commissions and breach of contract in September 2020. In response, Clarkson countersued two months later. The California Labor Commissioner's Office has now confirmed that the hearing is still ongoing, with post-hearing briefs due on June 27. A decision on the matter will be issued in the fall.

The post-hearing brief serves as the final opportunity for the parties involved in a legal dispute to present arguments and advocate for their respective positions, taking into account the information and evidence presented during previous hearings.

Legal complications arose for the former family members shortly after Clarkson initiated divorce proceedings against Narvel's son, Brandon Blackstock, in June 2020, following a marriage of nearly seven years. In September of that same year, Starstruck, the agency representing the Grammy winner from 2007 to 2020, filed a lawsuit against Clarkson, alleging that she owed $1.4 million in unpaid commissions for her work on The Voice and her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Clarkson also filed a countersuit against Starstruck Management Group in November 2020, alleging that the firm violated the California Labor Code by engaging in employment activities without the necessary license.

The company's attorney, Bryan Freedman, noted in November 2020 that Clarkson's countersuit conveniently overlooks the fact that she had her own licensed talent agency, Creative Artists Agency, throughout the entire duration.

Kelly Clarkson's former talent management company, Starstruck Management Group, provided services while she was represented by CAA. However, it is unfortunate that Clarkson is once again attempting to avoid paying the commissions owed to Starstruck in order to gain an advantage in her custody and divorce proceedings.

In November 2020, Clarkson was granted primary custody of her and Brandon's two children, with Brandon receiving visitation rights on weekends. After nearly two years, the ex-couple settled their contentious divorce. As part of the settlement, Clarkson was required to make a one-time payment of $1.3 million to Brandon, as well as monthly child support payments of $45,600. Additionally, she has to pay him $115,000 per month in spousal support until 2024.

Clarkson disclosed that she initiated therapy during her marriage troubles with Brandon and emphasized that seeking help from a mental health professional was a significant breakthrough for her after their separation. In an interview with ET Canada on Monday, June 19, she expressed gratitude for the multitude of strategies provided by therapy to navigate challenging situations. Clarkson also emphasized the value of having an impartial outsider who solely focuses on the present circumstances and offered invaluable support.