Sources say The Kelly Clarkson Show is “toxic” and “traumatizing” behind the scenes
Multiple current and former employees describe a difficult workplace environment behind the cameras of The Kelly Clarkson Show, saying staffers are overworked, underpaid and emotionally strained. Those who spoke to reporters anonymously called the atmosphere toxic and said the conditions have had lasting effects on their mental health.
The reporting is based on interviews with a number of people who worked on the program. Sources say many staffers, especially those in lower-level roles, routinely take on additional jobs—such as babysitting, dog walking or driving—to make ends meet. Several former employees said they felt ignored after reporting concerns to human resources, and that complaints produced little or no meaningful change.
“Kelly has no clue how unhappy her staff is”
Those interviewed emphasized that Kelly Clarkson herself appears unaware of how unhappy many employees are. Multiple former staffers described Clarkson as gracious and respectful in her interactions, saying she treats people with dignity. They said the problems stem primarily from management decisions and the culture that exists backstage rather than from Clarkson directly.
One former employee recalled feeling so overwhelmed that they left the stage area to cry, questioning why they remained in a job that was taking such a personal toll. Another said they would be shocked if Clarkson knew about issues such as staff not being paid during a two-week holiday hiatus. Sources said that while Clarkson presents herself warmly on camera, that demeanor does not necessarily translate to awareness of the workplace struggles below the line.
A source calls executive producer Alex Duda a “monster”
Several sources identified executive producer Alex Duda as the central figure in many reported conflicts. Duda, who has previously worked as a showrunner on other daytime programs, did not respond to requests for comment. Sources claim the current season has already been disrupted by industry strikes, and some believe the season may not be completed as planned.
According to former staffers, there is a clear divide between crew members who are favored by management and those who are not. That divide affects assignments, treatment and even who is included in meetings. Employees described a workplace where favoritism and intimidation determine day-to-day experiences more than consistent, fair policies.
People who raised concerns said HR often documented complaints but failed to follow up with substantive action. This perceived inaction, staffers said, compounded feelings of frustration and helplessness across the production team.
List of reported bad behavior
- A producer who answered to senior management allegedly yelled and used profanity toward a colleague onstage on multiple occasions.
- Multiple staffers described bullying and intimidation by certain producers, saying the behavior made people afraid to ask questions or request help for fear of retaliation.
- Several employees reported declines in their mental health. One person took a month off and began seeing a psychiatrist for the first time, describing their time on the show as the worst professional experience of their career.
- A production manager was accused of verbal abusiveness and of throwing objects, such as a stapler, in the office. Coworkers who witnessed the behavior said it was often dismissed as a passing bad mood rather than addressed as unacceptable conduct.
- When one staffer raised concerns about addressing anti-Asian hate crimes on air, they said they were reprimanded by management. After reporting that reprimand to HR, the employee said they faced further exclusion and hostility from executive producers and eventually left the show.
- The Writers Guild reportedly opened an investigation after allegations that producers had written episodes in violation of guild agreements.
Staff told about details of the New York City move at the last minute
The show is scheduled to relocate production to New York City next season. While rumors circulated for months, staffers say formal details were revealed at a single staff meeting following the holiday hiatus, when Clarkson reportedly explained her desire to be closer to family and pursue other projects. According to employees, management also held one-on-one meetings to gauge who might relocate with the show.
Several staff members said they received an email with move details only minutes before major outlets reported the announcement publicly. That last-minute communication compounded frustration among crew who felt excluded from key conversations about the production’s future.
Veteran daytime TV workers want to see the culture change
Industry veterans point out that problematic cultures have appeared on other high-profile daytime shows in the past. They warn that when showrunners and executive producers carry the same leadership styles from one production to another, the cycle of misconduct can continue unchecked.
Many current and former daytime professionals say they want accountability and structural changes so that abusive behavior is no longer tolerated. “There’s a culture of non-accountability for some people, and that needs to change,” a former staffer said. Another added that staff should not be mistreated, especially when shows are commercially successful and winning industry awards.
As the production prepares for its move and navigates industry-wide labor disputes, the concerns raised by employees underscore broader calls for safer, fairer workplaces across television. For now, former staffers say they hope their accounts will encourage meaningful reforms and better protections for crew members at every level.