- Kelly Clarkson responded to claims that her talk show was a toxic workplace behind the scenes.
- Her statement came after Rolling Stone published a story about staffers' grievances.
Kelly Clarkson has responded after employees on her talk show said it was a toxic workplace.
On Friday, Rolling Stone published a story detailing claims from 11 current and former employees of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" that they were underpaid and overworked behind the scenes.
Several sources in the piece, which did not name any workers, said Clarkson herself was not aware of the workplace issues. Representatives for Clarkson and "The Kelly Clarkson Show" did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Clarkson appeared to confirm that the article was the first time she'd heard about employees' grievances.
"In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I've always led with my heart and what I believed to be right," she wrote. "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."
"I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,'" she added.
"The Kelly Clarkson Show" premiered on NBC in 2019 and was nominated in the 2023 Critics Choice Awards category for "Best Talk Show," according to IMDB. In May, it was confirmed that production would move from Los Angeles to New York City for its fifth season, set to air in the fall, Variety reported.
Clarkson's statement made clear that she wanted to ensure the show's relocation would foster a better work environment.
"As we prepare for a move to the east coast, I am more committed than ever to not only ensure that our team that is moving, but also our new time in NY, is comprised of the best and kindest in the business," she wrote.
"Part of that build will include leadership training for all of the senior staff, including myself," Clarkson added. "There is always room to grow and ensure we are all being/becoming the best version of ourselves in any business, especially when it comes to leadership, to ensure that any notion of toxicity is eradicated."
In a statement to Insider, a representative for NBCUniversal said it took "workplace complaints very seriously and to insinuate otherwise is untrue."
"When issues are reported they are promptly reviewed, investigated and acted upon as appropriate," the spokesperson added. "'The Kelly Clarkson Show' strives to build a safe, respectful and equitable workplace that nurtures a culture of inclusivity and creativity."