Kelly Clarkson Files Lawsuit Against Ex-Husband and His Father’s Company
Kelly Clarkson’s legal battle with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, and his company, Starstruck Entertainment, has escalated with the singer filing a new lawsuit. The lawsuit comes after Clarkson won a legal victory in November, where Blackstock was ordered to repay her $2.6 million for commissions he received while operating as her manager without a talent license. The new lawsuit seeks the return of all commissions paid to Blackstock and Starstruck between October 2019 and October 2020.
The California Labor Commissioner’s Ruling and Appeal
In November, a California labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock and Starstruck unlawfully procured four business deals on behalf of Clarkson and ordered Blackstock to repay her. Blackstock and Starstruck appealed the ruling, filing an appeal in Los Angeles Superior Court, requesting a trial to determine if the court was in agreement with the labor commissioner’s decision.
Kelly Clarkson’s Lawsuit and Allegations Against Starstruck
Clarkson has now filed a cross-complaint, alleging that Starstruck was operating as an unlicensed talent agency in California when she entered into an oral agreement with the company in 2007. The complaint claims that the agreement was a fraudulent device to circumvent the licensing requirements and regulations of the Talent Agencies Act. Clarkson’s lawsuit requests that the court void and unenforce all agreements between her and Starstruck.
Disgorgement of Commissions and Accounting
In addition to seeking the return of commissions paid, Clarkson’s complaint asks the court to order Starstruck to “disgorge and return any and all commissions, fees, profits, advances, producing fees, or other monies” she paid to the company. The complaint also requests a full accounting of all monies received by Starstruck in connection with Clarkson’s personal services.
Kelly Clarkson’s Legal Battles and Divorce
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s bitter divorce has been ongoing since 2020. They share two children, and Clarkson was awarded primary physical custody in the custody dispute. Clarkson and Blackstock’s divorce was finalized in March 2022. Earlier this year, Star struck also sued Clarkson for unpaid commissions, and Clarkson countersued, alleging labor code violations by Blackstock and Starstruck.
