Leave it to the creative minds at the New York Post to twist Kelly Clarkson’s words and completely fabricate a story that’s way more interesting than the reality. The singer posted an apology to no one in particular (the most specific she gets is “those whom I have done a disservice”) on her website this week, expressing her regret over the fact that her conflict with label honcho Clive Davis over her new album My December was made public. She reiterated her admiration for Davis and gracefully acknowledged the respect he’s given her:
“There has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the release of My December, much of which has focused on a supposed feud with my record label, in particular, Clive Davis. I want to set the record straight on this by saying that I want my band, my advisors, those close to me and my record label to be one big, tightly knit family. Like any family we will disagree and argue sometimes but, in the end, it’s respect and admiration that will keep us together. A lot has been made in the press about my relationship with Clive. Much of this has been blown way out of proportion and taken out of context. Contrary to recent characterizations in the press, I’m well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date. He has also given me respect by releasing my new album when he was not obligated to do so. I really regret how this has turned out and I apologize to those whom I have done disservice. I would never intentionally hurt anyone. I love music, and I love the people I am blessed to work with. I am happy that my team is behind me and I look forward to the future.”
The fact that this supposed feud became such juicy fodder for the press reeks of sexism. Would we even be having this conversation if Clarkson were male or if the exec in question were Polly Anthony or Slyvia Rhone? Page Six’s Richard Johnson jumped all over Clarkson’s open letter, claiming “the chubby-cheeked soprano” had “submitted” and “surrendered” to Davis, as if she were some kind of sex slave, and called her album, which has sold half a million copies in less than a month and which still sits in the Top 5, a “turkey.” He also asserted that her letter was an apology for not listening to Davis, when, in fact, it was only lamenting the fact that the dispute had been exaggerated in the press by rags like… The Post!
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