Weiss Eubanks/NBC Universal
Kelly Clarkson has addressed a report on her daytime talk show’s culture, which addressed allegations that “The Kelly Clarkson Show” was toxic behind the scenes.
“It is unacceptable to find out that anyone on this show feels unheard or disrespected,” Clarkson said in a statement posted to Instagram. “I have always been committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at The Kelly Clarkson Show, and will continue to do so.”
On Friday, Rolling Stone published a report in which 11 current and former employees anonymously complained about being “overworked” and “underpaid” on Clarkson’s talk show, telling the magazine that working in the show’s “toxic environment.” “Psychologically traumatizing” is health.” In the report, the anonymous collaborators said Clarkson was “amazing,” but some of the producers were making their lives “hell.”
The report came days after the talk show announced it would be moving production from Los Angeles to New York next season, meaning many staff and crew members are unlikely to continue with the show unless they’re interested in moving across have across the country. News of the show’s move was first reported by Variety.
According to the Rolling Stone article, staff had known for months that there was a real possibility the show would be moving. Clarkson expressed her desire to move to New York, and the showrunner met with the staff to assess their interest in moving with the show. According to the report, however, staff only learned about the confirmation of the big move “two minutes before” Variety’s story was released via an email to all employees.
A spokesman for NBCUniversal told Variety, “We are committed to a safe and respectful work environment and take workplace grievances very seriously. To suggest otherwise is untrue.” When issues are reported, they are promptly reviewed, investigated and acted upon as necessary. The Kelly Clarkson Show strives to create a safe, respectful and equal workplace that fosters a culture of inclusivity and creativity.”
A person who works on the talk show tells Variety that many on the 200-plus-strong team feel the Rolling Stone report doesn’t reflect their positive experiences working on the show.
This employee tells Variety that just this month, as the writers’ strike began, Clarkson sent a video of herself with a heartfelt message to employees, telling them that they were taking their pay for the days they already had. out of pocket would be scheduled to work. Production on The Kelly Clarkson Show was halted when the writers’ strike began, ahead of the season’s end on May 20, when the show was supposed to go on summer break.
In Clarkson’s post, the host explained that she is committed to ensuring the show’s crew is made up of the “best and friendliest in the business.”
“In my 20 years in entertainment, I’ve always led with my heart and what I thought was right. I love my team on The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Clarkson said.
“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 to move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever that not only is our team moving, but our new NY team is made up of the best and friendliest in the business. Part of this build-up will include leadership training for all senior staff, including myself. There is always room to grow and to ensure that we all are/become the best version of ourselves in every business. Especially when it comes to leadership, there is a need to ensure that any notion of toxicity is eradicated.”
Clarkson’s post drew positive reactions from fans, who thanked her for responding to the report. “I appreciate the fact that you’ve taken note of this and your transparency on how you plan to improve the show going forward! You are always a class,” one person commented.
When Clarkson appeared on the cover of Variety last year, she spoke about the importance of leadership and setting a positive tone from above. She highly praised her team and made it a point to praise other women in the talk show genre, which has been notoriously toxic for decades. Clarkson said that prior to her show’s final season, they shifted their classes by 30 minutes so that she and other parents working on the show could have time to drop their kids off at school.
“Everyone at NBC is great and everyone wants everyone to be successful,” Clarkson told Variety. “It’s really helpful to have that kind of unit in your work environment.”