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In a striking development in the entertainment industry, Kelly Clarkson's former manager and ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has been ordered by a California state court to return $2.6 million in commissions. This directive arises from claims that he unlawfully procured various high-profile jobs for the singer, including a judging role on "The Voice."

A Legal Tussle Over Unlawful Procurement

The case, evolving over the past three years, saw Clarkson challenge the lawfulness of Blackstock's procurement of multiple employment opportunities for her. Special hearing officer Casey L. Raymond found that Blackstock acted without the involvement of Clarkson's talent agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), thereby violating the California Labor Code and the Talent Agencies Act.

The Voice and Beyond: The Roles in Question

Blackstock, who managed Clarkson from 2017 to 2020, is accused of independently negotiating her judge spot on NBC's "The Voice," among other gigs. This action, the court determined, was in violation of the rules governing talent agents. Additionally, Blackstock was found to have unlawfully procured sponsorship and brand deals for Clarkson with companies like Wayfair and Norwegian Cruise Lines, as well as her role in hosting the Billboard Music Awards.

Management vs. Procurement: The Legal Distinction

While the hearing officer acknowledged Blackstock's significant role in coordinating Clarkson's professional life, they determined that much of his involvement fell under non-procurement activities. This distinction played a crucial role in the decision to order the return of commissions related to the specific jobs he unlawfully procured.

The Path to Legal Resolution

This ruling is part of a broader legal battle that includes a lawsuit filed by Starstruck Entertainment LLC, Blackstock's family company, against Clarkson for unpaid commissions. The labor commissioner's decision comes after Clarkson's divorce filing from Blackstock, adding a personal dimension to the legal proceedings.

Awaiting Further Commentary and Legal Actions

As the legal narrative unfolds, representatives for both Clarkson and Blackstock have yet to comment on this latest development. The case continues to draw attention, highlighting the intricate legal challenges faced by artists and their managers in the entertainment industry.

The cases involved are Kelly Blackstock p/k/a Kelly Clarkson et al. v. Starstruck Management Group LLC et al., in both the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Department of Industrial Relations, State of California.