According to sources who spoke to Rolling Stone, “The Kelly Clarkson Show” is a toxic work environment behind the scenes. The publication spoke to 10 former staff members on the show and one staff member who still works there.
According to these current and former staff members, the work environment is anything but pleasant. One source said, “I remember going up on the roof of the stage to cry, being like, ‘Oh, my gosh, what am I doing? Why am I putting myself through this?’”
Another source claimed, “This job deteriorated my mental health.”
Reportedly, Clarkson has not been aware of any of the negative aspects of the work environment, and none of the staff members had anything negative to say about her. One source said, “NBC is protecting the show because it’s their new money maker, but Kelly has no clue how unhappy her staff is.”
Another source added, “Kelly is fantastic. She is a person who never treats anyone with anything but dignity and is incredibly appreciative. I would be shocked if she knew.”
Instead, the staff members pointed the finger at the show’s executive producer, Alex Duda. One source explained, “I think Alex Duda’s a monster.” This source added, “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.”
Now, after the article, Clarkson is very aware of the possibility that the work environment for her show’s staff may be toxic, and she is not shying away from addressing it. She posted a statement on Instagram addressing the negative comments and explaining what she plans to do about it.
The statement reads, “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 or disrespected on this show is unacceptable. I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating 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.”
Does it surprise you that multiple current and former staff members claim the work environment at “The Kelly Clarkson Show” is toxic? Do you think Clarkson was really unaware of what the work environment is like for her staff?