Kelly Clarkson, singer and host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, recently addressed allegations of a toxic workplace environment on her program. These claims, which surfaced in a Rolling Stone article, suggested that crew members were overworked and underpaid, which impacted their mental health.
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The complaints did not extend to Clarkson herself. Insiders claimed that she was "fantastic" and likely unaware of her staff's unhappiness.
"I would be shocked if she knew," a former employee stated. "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."
One former employee even mentioned that the executive producer, Alex Duda, was described as "a monster" and had a history of similar behavior on other sets.
"I think Alex Duda's a monster," the employee told Rolling Stone. "I have a friend who's an executive producer who warned me about taking this job, because apparently she has done this on every show she's worked on."
In an Instagram post, Clarkson expressed her dismay at the allegations, stating that anyone feeling unheard or disrespected on her show was unacceptable. She emphasized her two-decade-long career in entertainment, marked by leading with her heart and standing up for what she believes is right.
With the show poised to shift to the East Coast, Clarkson reassured her followers of her commitment to fostering a safe and healthy work environment. She vowed to ensure that the existing team making the move, as well as the new team in New York, would embody the best and kindest in the business.
To support this endeavor, Clarkson shared plans to initiate leadership training for all senior staff members, including herself. She acknowledged that there is always room for growth, especially in leadership roles, and that it's crucial to be proactive in eliminating any potential toxicity.
In response to these allegations, a representative for the show issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to a safe and respectful work environment. They reiterated their dedication to reviewing and addressing any reported issues promptly and appropriately. The NBCUniversal spokesperson further stated that the show, which has aired nearly 700 episodes and bagged 13 Daytime Emmy Awards since its 2019 debut, strives to create an inclusive and creative workplace.
The Kelly Clarkson Show is set to move from Los Angeles to New York City for its upcoming fifth season, following its renewal through 2025. Amidst the changes, the focus remains on maintaining a nurturing work environment that fosters mutual respect and creativity. As far as the employees who already went through some rather distressing situations, hopefully that clears up soon.
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