‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ is committed to creating “a safe and respectful work environment”.

In response to recent allegations of a toxic work environment behind the scenes of The Kelly Clarkson Show, a representative from NBCUniversal has come forward to defend the show’s commitment to creating a “safe and respectful work environment.” The statement comes after a former employee shared their grievances, claiming that crew members were “overworked” and “underpaid,” leading to significant stress and dissatisfaction among the staff.

The spokesperson for NBCUniversal told PEOPLE, “We are committed to a safe and respectful work environment and take workplace complaints very seriously, and to insinuate otherwise is untrue.” The network emphasized its dedication to promptly reviewing, investigating, and addressing any reported issues, reinforcing that The Kelly Clarkson Show is striving to build a workplace that nurtures a culture of inclusivity and creativity.

Despite the network’s assurances, a former employee recently spoke to Rolling Stone, painting a starkly different picture of the work environment on set. The ex-employee described feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated, recounting moments of emotional distress, including crying on the roof of the stage due to the intense pressure. They expressed frustration over the lack of compensation during the two-week Christmas hiatus, suggesting that the situation might be unknown to Kelly Clarkson herself.

“I remember going up on the roof of the stage to cry, being like, ‘Oh, my gosh, what am I doing? Why am I putting myself through this?'” the former staff member revealed. The individual expressed doubt that Kelly Clarkson, known for her warm and approachable demeanor, was aware of the staff’s unhappiness, stating, “I would be shocked if she knew. I’d be floored if she knew the staff wasn’t getting paid for two weeks of Christmas hiatus. The Kelly that I interacted with and that everyone knows would probably be pretty aghast to learn that.”

Kelly Clarkson, who launched her talk show in 2019, has often been candid about the challenges of stepping into the role of a daytime TV host. In an interview with Variety, she acknowledged the daunting task of following in the footsteps of talk show giants like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. “I hold the Oprahs and the Ellens in such high regard. Very few people can conquer what they conquered,” Kelly said, emphasizing that while she believes in her team, she does not aspire to fill anyone else’s shoes.

As the situation unfolds, NBCUniversal remains firm in its stance, reiterating that any concerns raised by employees will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. The network’s commitment to maintaining a positive and supportive work environment is clear, but the recent claims have undoubtedly cast a shadow over the show’s behind-the-scenes operations.

The contrast between the public image of The Kelly Clarkson Show and the reported experiences of some employees raises important questions about the realities of working in the entertainment industry. As fans and viewers continue to enjoy the show’s uplifting content, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the perception of the show and its host in the long term.