Kelly Clarkson has issued a statement responding to allegations of a toxic work climate behind the scenes at her eponymous talk show. Rolling Stone published a story Friday that quoted several former workers as claiming they were overworked, underpaid and found the environment “traumatizing to their mental health.” Staffers claim their experience on the show “is by far the worst experience I’ve ever had in my entire life,” and that it has “deterred me from wanting to work in daytime ever again.”
Clarkson wrote on Instagram: “In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart and what I believed to be right. I love my team at The Kelly Clarkson Show, and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and 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.’ 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. -Kelly”
The series, which is now in its fourth season, premiered in 2019 and was taped in Los Angeles. Production is set to move from Universal Studios Hollywood to NBC Studios in Manhattan’s 30 Rockefeller Center next season, where a new set will be built in Studio 6A with accommodation for offices and a live studio audience. A rep with NBCUniversal, which produces the show, said in a statement, “We are committed to a safe and respectful work environment and take workplace complaints very seriously and to insinuate otherwise is untrue. When issues are reported they are promptly reviewed, investigated and acted upon as appropriate. The Kelly Clarkson Show strives to build a safe, respectful and equitable workplace that nurtures a culture of inclusivity and creativity.”
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