Kelly Clarkson SUES Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Months After $2.6 Million Ruling

Kelly Clarkson has escalated her legal battle against her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, and his father’s management firm, Starstruck Entertainment, with a recent lawsuit filing.

This move comes months after a California agency ordered the group to repay Clarkson $2.6 million in commissions received while Blackstock worked as her manager.

In her counter lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles court on March 11th, Clarkson’s legal team alleges that Starstruck Entertainment violated labor laws during her tenure with the company between 2007 and 2020. The crux of Clarkson’s argument is that Starstruck was not licensed as a talent agency, making their agreements with her fraudulent and void under California law.

According to documents obtained by E! News, Clarkson’s attorneys contend that Starstruck entered into agreements with her as a subterfuge to circumvent licensing requirements and other regulations mandated by the Talent Agency’s Act.

They argue that all agreements between Clarkson and Starstruck should be declared null and void, and Clarkson should not be required to pay any additional money to the firm.

Additionally, Clarkson seeks a full and complete accounting of all monies received by Starstruck in connection with her contracts and work performed during her time with them.

This demand underscores Clarkson’s determination to rectify what she perceives as unjust practices and recover funds she believes are rightfully hers.

The legal dispute between Clarkson and the Blackstocks dates back to September 2020, just three months after Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock.

Initially, Starstruck Entertainment sued Clarkson, alleging she owed $1.4 million in unpaid commissions for her work on television shows like “The Voice” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

In response, Clarkson’s legal team filed a motion to halt the lawsuit, concurrently submitting a petition to the California Labor Commission. The petition accused Brandon Blackstock of demanding unconscionable fees and compensation, acting against Clarkson’s best interests, and operating without proper certification as a talent agent during their professional relationship.

The culmination of Clarkson’s efforts came in November 2023 when the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement ruled in her favor, ordering Brandon Blackstock to return over $2.6 million in commissions received during his tenure as her manager.

However, Blackstock appealed this decision later that month, prolonging the legal battle.

As of now, the Blackstocks have not responded to Clarkson’s latest cross-complaint, and a hearing on the matter is scheduled for March 27th. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for both parties involved, as Clarkson continues to assert her rights and seek restitution for alleged wrongdoing.