As previously reported,”The Kelly Clarkson Show” has been hit with accusations of fostering a “toxic” workplace environment from staffers.
Rolling Stone published an article on Friday that detailed some first-hand accounts by employees. While some have alleged various cases of abuse from producers and other high-ranking staffers, they say the show’s host, Kelly Clarkson, has been kept in the dark about how bad it has gotten behind the scenes. “NBC is protecting the show because it’s their new money maker, but Kelly has no clue how unhappy her staff is,” one former employee told Rolling Stone. “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?’” a second employee said.
The former American Idol star is now speaking out to address these big claims. She said in an Instagram post, “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.”
“To find out that anyone is feeling unheard and or disrespected on this show is unacceptable,” she said in the post. The talk show host said she wants to maintain a healthy and safe work environment.
“As we prepare for a move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our team is moving, but also our new team in NY is comprised of the best and kindest in the business,” she said. “Part of that build will include leadership training for all of the senior staff, including myself.”
Clarkson went on to say that there’s “always room to grow” and that she wants the show to be the “best version of ourselves in any business. “Especially when it comes to leadership, to ensure that any notion of toxicity is eradicated,” she added.
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As for NBCUniversal, a spokesperson also released on claims of a work environment and said the corporation is “committed to a safe and respectful work environment.” The statement read that workplace complaints are taken “very seriously and to insinuate otherwise is untrue.”
“When issues are reported they are promptly reviewed, investigated and acted upon as appropriate,” the statement said. “‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ strives to build a safe, respectful and equitable workplace that nurtures a culture of inclusivity and creativity.”
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