Kelly Clarkson breaks silence on NBC show being branded as 'toxic' place to work

American singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson has broken her silence amid claims made by former employees that her NBC show is a "toxic" place to work.

In a new report that was releases on Friday (May 12), Rolling Stone spoke with 10 former employees who claimed that their jobs had taken a toll on their mental health.

The employees claimed that they were underpaid, overworked and ended up with poor mental health as a result of working on the hit show show headed up by Kelly.

All of the whistle blowers were said to be "confident" that host Kelly was not aware of the working conditions, with the American Idol star now confirming that.

Kelly has spoken out following the claims made by former employees (Getty Images)

The singer has announced that senior staff will receive leadership training, with her included (Trae Patton/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Sharing a statement the day after the report hit the headlines, Kelly wrote on her Instagram page: "In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I've always led with my heart and what I believed to be right.

"I love my team at 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' and to find out 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 went on: "As we prepare for a move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our team that is moving, but also our new team in NY, is comprised of the best and kindest in the business."

"Part of that build will include leadership training for all of the senior staff, including myself," she urged.

"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 – Kelly."

In the report, executive producer of the show, Alex Duda was branded a "monster" and largely blamed for the "toxic behaviour" which has allegedly impacted the mental health of the show's staff.

The report highlights how employees have felt "bullied" and "intimidated" by producers, with one not able to "handle it mentally".

Mirror Online previously reached out to Kelly's representatives and the NBC press office for comment, but received no response.

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