Kelly Clarkson revived a years-old parenting controversy after resurfaced comments confirmed she spanks her children and has no plans to apologize for it, telling a radio station that the method worked in her own upbringing in Texas.
Clarkson first made the remarks in a 2018 interview with 94.1 in Atlanta, discussing how she disciplined her daughter River Rose, then 3, and son Remington, then 1, whom she shares with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. “I’m not above a spanking, which people aren’t necessarily into,” she said, adding, “I don’t mean hitting her hard, I just mean a spanking.”
Clarkson said the practice was rooted in her own childhood discipline. “My parents spanked me, and I did fine in life, and I feel fine about it, and I do that as well,” she said. She explained that she warns her children before following through, describing her approach as, “I’m like, ‘Hi, I’m gonna spank you on your bottom if you don’t stop right now. Like, this is ridiculous.’” She also pointed to her Southern upbringing, saying, “I’m from the South, y’all, so we get spankings,” and recalling that her mother would authorize spankings from her school principal when she misbehaved as a child.
Clarkson acknowledged the practice draws criticism, particularly in public settings. “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,” she said.
The comments have resurfaced repeatedly over the years, each time reigniting debate. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend spanking, citing research that the practice can increase aggression and is linked to mental health issues in children, a position often cited by Clarkson’s critics. A 2016 Gallup poll found that 62 percent of American parents approved of spanking, underscoring how divided public opinion remains on the issue.
