Kelly Clarkson Refuses To Let Clive Davis Bully Her

“I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans,” Clarkson tweeted Feb. 19. “It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.”

Ready for the he said/she said? (And then, more he said?) According to Clarkson, the memoir claims she burst into “hysterical sobbing” in Davis’ office when he demanded “Since U Been Gone” be included on her 2004 album, Breakaway.

“Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up,” Clarkston wrote. She says what really happened was she wanted to give the song a bigger sound with more guitars and Clive did not. Her vision won and she says she resents him “dampening that song in any way.”

But she admits she did cry in his office. But this was because she played the song “Because Of You” and he hated it, telling her, “I was a ‘sh*tty 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.”

Clarkson pointed out that after fighting for the song, the label gave in and it became a worldwide hit – but “he didn’t include that in the book.”

Lastly, Clarkson had an issue with Davis’ view that her 2007 album, My December, wasn’t a success because she co-penned it and it didn’t include “pop hits.” She defended her songwriting skills and the album, explaining she’s co-penned many of her pop hits and that My December went platinum.

“But, again, what’s most interesting about his story is what he leaves out: He doesn’t mention how he stood up in front of his company at a convention and belittled me and my music and completely sabotaged the entire project,” Clarkson wrote. “It never had a chance to reach its full potential.”

And now, for Davis’ response:

“As anyone who has read ‘The Soundtrack of My Life’ knows, I think Kelly Clarkson is a tremendous vocal talent and performer. In the book, I provide an in-depth look at our years together during which we shared major multi-platinum success, as well as a few creative differences. I am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what I know to be an accurate depiction of our time together. Before the book was published, I had every fact checked with five independent individuals who were present on a daily basis throughout it all. The chapter as it is written was thoroughly verified by each and every one of them. I stand by the chapter as written in my book. At the same time I wish, and will always wish, Kelly’s talent and her career to soar to ever new heights.”

So, whose side are you on?