Kelly Clarkson accuses Clive Davis of bullying her, says he's 'spreading false information about me and my music'
She claims he called her a 's----y writer'
Kelly Clarkson has never been a shrinking violet, and she's publicly fuming over claims made by legendary music exec Clive Davis in his newly released, bisexuality-revealing memoir, "The Soundtrack of My Life."
"I refuse to be bullied, and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans," the chart-topper says in a lengthy letter posted Tuesday on WhoSay. "It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don't have to cower to anyone -- even Clive Davis."
Kelly, seen above with Clive in 2004, takes particular issue with his assertion that she burst into "hysterical sobbing" in his office because he "demanded" the inclusion of massive future hit "Since U Been Gone" on her sophomore 2004 album, "Breakaway."
In his version, he told her the song would be a "game-changer," but she "just looked at me with red, puffy eyes and a swollen face, and got up to leave."
Clarkson denies this happened. "Not true at all," she rails. "His stories and songs are mixed up."
Still, she concedes she did once burst into tears in his office.
"I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called 'Because of You,'" she recalls. "I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a 's----y writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.' He continued on about how the song didn't rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with."
The two eventually had a major falling out over her desire to write more songs for her third effort, 2007's "My December." According to Davis, he told Clarkson it was "a pop album that still needs pop hits." She counters that he "sabotaged" the project, asserting that she was "completely disregarded and disrespected."
At the time of their professional meltdown, Clarkson acknowledged Davis as "an important force" in her success, but admitted, "I am not a fan. ...I do respect him, but I don't want to barbecue with him. We don't braid each other's hair. And, despite the rumors, he is nowhere near a father figure."
Which side are you on? We're leaning toward Team Kelly, but read her entire letter below, then tell us what you think ...
Kelly has not fallen off...she's going strong. I stilll hear her music on the radio and it still is so awesome. I thinks she's right by not allowing Clive Davis to bully her. He may be a big time producer and all but I'm sure that there are many music excutives that would put her on their label. Kelly Clarkson has talent. and to be honest I'm not a hard core fan of her's but I think she's has talent. Go Kelly......:)
I think it's horrible how there are so many people who are quick to judge and attack her or anyone else. Don't you all have anything else to do than attack people. you all should be ashame of yourselves. Jealous much?
Not a typical fan of the American Idol collection (Ms. Clarkson and Ms. Underwood aside) I've just recently become a fan of Kelly's because I'm amazed at the strength of her voice and true talent. Kelly may have been on the back burner for a bit but it was due to people like Clive Davis not allowing her to have any say in what direction she wanted to take her career. If she's gonna fail, it will be by her choices and I respect her for that.
@Jasper P - you're an idiot. Kelly SANG (and perfectly) at the inauguration, while Ms. Diva Sasha Fierce (a.k.a. Beyonce) had to lip sync the national anthem.
@Ivana Humpugh, you are correct, Davis is a gross sleazeball and much like Phil Spector. The old coot may have contributed a lot to music but it's time he retire. He sure as hell isn't going to heaven for being so fricking brave to crawl out of his closet with one foot in the grave.
Just because Clive Davis owns the music business doesn't mean he is right. And just because he is that big, this doesn't mean he could get away with everything, not even lies. Kudos to Kelly for standing up to herself. I like Kelly Clarkson and believe that she is a good person.
There were at times when I saw Clive Davis in Am. Idol back then, there is something slimy about him that I don't like. Btw, I wouldn't even buy Clive Davis' memoir anyway b/c he doesn't deserve a cent from me.
