LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Singer Kelly Clarkson continues to prevail in her divorce from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock as a labor commissioner has now ruled that Blackstock overcharged Clarkson by millions of dollars when he acted as her manager.
A California labor commissioner ordered Blackstock, 46, to return $2,641,374 to Clarkson because he "crossed the line" by acting as the talk show host's manager and booking gigs for the 41-year-old.
With a few notable exceptions, the labor commissioner declared that only agents, not managers, may legitimately obtain roles for talent.
The singer filed for divorce in June 2020 after the former couple — parents of two children — were married for almost seven years, having first met in 2006. The divorce was finalized in 2022.
Brandon Blackstock supposedly 'crossed the line' while booking gigs for ex-Kelly Clarkson
Legal documents obtained by TMZ on November 30, indicate that Blackstock was deemed to have "crossed the line" when he signed contracts and arranged events for his then-spouse, and must pay back over $2.6 million back to Clarkson.
Booking Clarkson to serve as a judge on 'The Voice', appearing in commercials for Norwegian Cruise Line and Wayfair, and presenting the Billboard Music Awards are some of the events and contracts that brought in a hefty income for Blackstock.
The outlet claimed that Blackstock received $1.98 million in fees for landing Clarkson on 'The Voice', but only $93.30 for landing her a Billboard Music Awards hosting role.
According to Clarkson's allegations in December 2020, Blackstock misled her while serving as her manager. However, Blackstock at the time denied scamming his ex-wife out of millions of dollars.
The 'Breakaway' singer also attempted to recover money that Blackstock received in exchange for obtaining a contract for 'The Kelly Clarkson Show', but a judge ruled that he had no obligation to give the money back, per the New York Post.
In March 2022, the former couple formally finalized their divorce after a contentious legal struggle over custody of their shared Montana ranch, and their two kids - River Rose, 9, and Remington 'Remy' Alexander, 7.
Initially, Blackstock's attorneys maintained that the ranch belonged to them equally as "marital property." However, the judge disapproved after learning that Clarkson was the one who paid for the $10.4 million property.
Until January 2024, Blackstock will also receive $115,000 each month in spousal support, per Daily Mail.
Internet reacts to Kelly Clarkson's 'payback time'
Social media users are quick to celebrate the singer's small victories in her legal battle against her ex-husband, with several taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their joy.
One such X user exclaimed, "It's payback time, run her that check dude," adding in a follow-up comment, "He had a seat at the table, decided to be greedy and now he has to pay the price for it."
Another one added, "Oh he better have her money!"
"Yasssssss girl getcha alimony back," exclaimed one more user.
One fan noted, "Just hope he has the money to pay back"
"Now this is what I call GOOD NEWS! My man played her her whole marriage/divorce and it’s time for Kelly to finally win!" rejoiced another fan.
A fan echoed the "payback" sentiment and wrote, "I remember that as a part of their divorce settlement, KC had to pay him monthly around $200K, and now he has to pay her $2mil. It's payback time"
