Kelly Clarkson has emerged victorious in a legal dispute against her ex-husband and former manager, Brandon Blackstock.
Legal documents obtained by People magazine reveal that Blackstock faced accusations of improperly securing gigs for the renowned talk show host and American Idol winner while allegedly overcharging her in booking fees.
A California labor commissioner determined that Blackstock had exceeded his managerial role by facilitating contracts with prominent entities such as The Voice, the Billboard Music Awards, Wayfair, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
The commissioner highlighted that, according to California law, such substantial deals should have been secured by a licensed talent agency rather than an acting manager.
Consequently, Blackstock has been directed to reimburse the $2,641,374 he received in related commission fees.
“Under the Talent Agencies Act (TAA), a manager, like any person without a talent agency license, cannot procure or attempt to procure employment for artists,” read the lawsuit.
However, the commissioner rejected Clarkson’s efforts to recover fees she had previously paid Blackstock in connection to her eponymous talk show, as he collaborated with her talent agency in finalizing the deal.
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Blackstock’s legal team reportedly plans to appeal the commissioner’s decision.
Kelly Clarkson married Blackstock in 2013 and filed for divorce about seven years later, citing irreconcilable differences. They share two children: River Rose, 9, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 7. The divorce was finalized in March of the previous year, with Clarkson required to pay Blackstock a lump sum of $1.3 million, along with $45,000 per month in child support and $115,000 per month in spousal support, set to conclude in January of the upcoming year.
Earlier this year, Clarkson released her 10th studio album, “Chemistry,” marking her first original LP since her separation from Blackstock. In a September interview on the Today Show, she shared insights into the album’s creation and its focus on relationships, describing it as a means of processing personal experiences through writing.
