Why Kelly Clarkson Is Suing Her Ex for Even More Money

Miss Independent is making sure that she's getting what she's worth. People reports that Kelly Clarkson filed a new suit against her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, claiming that he owes her even more money on top of a previous ruling that awarded her $2.6 million. Four months ago, a California labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock "overstepped" during his time as her manager, which led to him owing her the previously reported sum, but in new documents submitted to the courts, Clarkson is claiming that Blackstock's labor violations date back to 2007. That year marked her verbal agreement with Starstruck Management, the company that Blackstock's father founded.

The previous judgment only went back to 2017, so Clarklson's legal team is requesting a “full and complete accounting from Starstruck of all monies received by Starstruck, directly or indirectly, in connection with any and all contracts, employment, or engagements pertaining in any way to the personal services of [Clarkson],” including commissions, fees, profits, advances, and producing fees.

Blackstock was Clarkson's manager from 2017 to 2020, the same year that she filed for divorce. They were married for seven years and share a daughter named River and a son named Remy. In November 2023, the labor commissioner concluded that Blackstock “unlawfully procured her work” in violation of California’s Talent Agencies Act. The commissioner cited four specific violations, including Clarkson's contract with The Voice, which started in 2018. 

The legal filing between the two started in September 2020, when Starstruck first sued Clarkson, saying that she owed him more than $1.4 million in unpaid commissions. She counter-sued him, filing documents that accused Starstruck, Blackstock, and his father Narvel of violating the Talent Agencies Act.

Clarkson and Blackstock finalized their divorce in 2022, and the American Idol winner paid him $1.3 million and continues to pay him monthly child support.