Kelly Clarkson's Ex Brandon Blackstock Hits Back After Lawsuit over $2.6 Million Ruling: Inside His Filing

Blackstock was ordered by a California labor commissioner in November 2022 to pay Clarkson over $2.6 million for wrongfully orchestrating several business deals while serving as her manager

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband and former manager Brandon Blackstock is firing back at the lawsuit she filed against him in March.

One month after Clarkson, 41, claimed in a lawsuit that she should be awarded more than the $2.6 million that a California labor commissioner ruled Blackstock, 47, owed her from allegedly overstepping his legal limits as her manager, he requested it be dismissed in a Monday, April 15 filing.

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Blackstock and his management firm Starstruck Management deny "each and every allegation" raised by the pop superstar, who accused them of violating state labor laws since 2007 when she entered into an oral agreement with the company.

Related: Kelly Clarkson Sues Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Months After $2.6 Million Ruling

The papers filed in California argue that the talk show host's suit should be dismissed because the ruling made by the labor commissioner in November 2023 "is binding on Clarkson." Because she did not "file a notice of appeal within 10 days" from when the decision was made in order to request more than the $2,641,374 that was ruled upon, Blackstock and his attorneys claim it is outside of the proper jurisdiction to file a separate lawsuit now.

Blackstock also claims that the alleged illegal earnings he and Starstruck Management procured were already paid into his and Clarkson's community estate and, were the Grammy winner to be awarded more damages, the fee should be reduced because of that.

The papers also state, "[Clarkson's] Complaint fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action against Starstruck and is, therefore, barred for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted."

Related: Kelly Clarkson's Ex Brandon Blackstock Must Pay Her over $2.6 Million for 'Unlawfully Procured' Business Deals

The labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock and Starstruck Management violated California's Talent Agencies Act, which states managers cannot procure or try to procure employment for artists unless they act in conjunction with a licensed agent.

Blackstock and his legal team filed an appeal in December of last year.

Clarkson brought forth her suit, which was obtained by PEOPLE, in mid-March and alleged Blackstock took fees in return for securing contracts with the Billboard Music Awards, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Norwegian Cruise Line, The Voice and Wayfair.

In the filing, the "Stronger" singer asked for a “full and complete accounting from Starstruck of all monies received by Starstruck, directly or indirectly, in connection with any and all contracts, employment, or engagements pertaining in any way to the personal services of [Clarkson],” including commissions, fees, profits, advances and producing fees.

Related: Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock's Relationship Timeline

Clarkson and Blackstock were married in October 2013 and he served her manager from 2017 to 2020, the same year she filed for divorce in June.

The former couple and business partners share two children, daughter River, 9, and son Remy, 8.

The legal battle between the two began amid their divorce proceedings in September 2020 when Starstruck sued Clarkson, claiming she owed over $1.4 million in unpaid commissions. The hitmaker then responded by filing documents alleging Blackstock, Starstruck and his associates of violating the Talent Agencies Act.

Two years after Clarkson first filed for divorce, it was settled in 2022. She was ordered to pay her ex-husband a one-time payment of just over $1.3 million, as well as a monthly child support payment of $45,601.

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