This week, Rolling Stone published the article, "The Kelly Clarkson Show Is Toxic Behind the Scenes, Staffers Say." In the piece, one current and 10 former employees alleged that the workplace was toxic.
In the article, staffers say that executive producer Alex Duda — who's a veteran in the industry — is a "monster," who cursed at people onstage multiple times. Employees also claimed that many of them were anxious to ask questions, were not paid for Christmas break, and dealt with verbal abuse onset. Staffers added that because of low pay, many have had to take on "other jobs as babysitters, dog walkers, and Uber Eats drivers to pay their bills."
“Kelly is fantastic," a former worker told Rolling Stone. "She is a person who never treats anyone with anything but dignity and is incredibly appreciative. I would be shocked if she knew. I’d be floored if she knew the staff wasn’t getting paid for two weeks of Christmas hiatus. The Kelly that I interacted with and that everyone knows would probably be pretty aghast to learn that.”
Well, now, Kelly has responded to the article on Instagram. "In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I've always led with my heart and what I believed to be right," Kelly wrote. "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."
"I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at The Kelly Clarkson Show," Kelly said in the second slide. "As we prepare for a move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our team that is moving, but also our new team in NY, is comprised of the best and kindest in the business.”
"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."
