People Are So Mad At Kelly Clarkson For Saying That She ‘Spanks’ Her Children For Misbehaving
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Kelly Clarkson has come under fire recently for resurfaced comments about disciplining her children. During a 2018 radio interview, she admitted to spanking her kids when they misbehave, but stressed that her aim was never to “hurt” them. Fans were quick to criticize her for this parenting tactic, with many people on social media pointing out the harmful effects of spanking children.
Now, with the “Mine” singer’s new album on the way, and after her marriage to Brandon Blackstock ended in divorce, people are revisiting her comments on Twitter and becoming seemingly even more outraged. So, when did this all begin? We’ll break it down.
While speaking on Atlanta Radio station 94.1 in 2018, Clarkson discussed disciplining her daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander in an interview. “I’m not above a spanking, which people aren’t necessarily into,” she confessed.
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Kelly Clarkson Opens Up About Spanking Her Children And Sparks Debate Among Fans
The Kelly Clarkson Show host continued, “I don’t mean hitting her hard, I just mean a spanking. My parents spanked me, and I did fine in life, and I feel fine about it, and I do that as well.”
She went on, acknowledging that this would not be accepted by onlookers in public, “That’s a tricky thing, when you’re out in public, because then people are like, they think that’s wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking.”
The American Idol winner stressed that she doesn’t spank her kids at random, and explained, “I warn her, I’m like, ‘Hi, I’m going to spank you on your bottom if you don’t stop right now, this is ridiculous.'”
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Fan Reactions To Clarkson’s Resurfaced Comments
Clarkson’s comments may have been made several years ago, but some fans began sharing them on Twitter this week after Clarkson announced a post-divorce record and continues to open up about co-parenting and raising her children after splitting from Blackstock.
“[Spanking] is grotesque for punishing children,” one user tweeted under a link to Clarkson’s 2018 interview while another added, “spanking is abuse full stop someone tell kelly clarkson.” Someone else chimed into the debate, writing, “Just now finding out that Kelly Clarkson is apparently vocal about spanking her kids? How are you gonna write “Because of You” and “Piece by Piece” and then hit your own children?”
READ MORE: Get Ready! Kelly Clarkson Says She’s Releasing A Divorce Album With ‘Very Angry’ Songs
Clarkson Talks About The Effect Of Her Divorce On Her Children
This controversial interview from Clarkson resurfaced shortly after the Voice coach discussed the painful effects her divorce from Blackstock (who she was married to from 2013 to 2021) on her two children.
The “Breakaway” hitmaker appeared on the March 13, 2023 episode of the Angie Martinez IRL Podcast and said, “I literally ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling, ‘Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?’”
Clarkson shared the heartbreaking response to the question from her daughter and son, and she spoke about the importance of encouraging her children to always be honest. This, she stressed, is to help them feel more comfortable in their home following their parents’ split.
READ MORE: Fans Are Showing Support After Kelly Clarkson Reveals The ‘Hardest’ Part Of Divorce Process
The "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" crooner added, regarding her kids, “Sometimes they’ll say, especially the past two years, and it kills me and I want them to be honest, so I don’t ever say, ‘Oh god, don’t tell me that,’ but a lot of times it would be like, ‘You know, I’m just really sad. I wish mommy and daddy were in the same house.'”
Clarkson went on, “they’re really honest about it.” She also shared how much she appreciates them being candid: “I’m raising that kind of individual. I want you to be honest with me.” While the “Since U Been Gone” singer acknowledged how hard this is to hear from her kids, she said that she can understand their feelings because she grew up in a similar situation.
“I just sit there and I’m like, ‘I get it. I’m from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks. But we’re going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us,'” Clarkson said. “I think communicating with them and not treating them—not treating them like an adult, because they’re not—but not treating them like a child. They’re not small feelings. Those are huge feelings, and those are huge emotions.”
Clarkson and talent manager Blackstock split in June 2020 after seven years of marriage. Clarkson (who filed for the divorce) cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their breakup. According to court documents obtained by E! News, the “Because Of You” singer and businessman officially finalized their divorce in March 2022.
The talk show host also said during the podcast episode that her children often ask her how she feels about the tough situation as well. “My kids ask me all the time, ‘So you don’t love him anymore?'” she shared. “I’m like, ‘No, I don’t know if that goes away.'”
