Kelly Clarkson Calls Out Double Standards Following Backlash Over Taylor Swift’s “Slut!”

Known for her candid honesty, Kelly Clarkson is speaking out against what she describes as a “ridiculous” double standard in the music industry. After Taylor Swift’s song “Slut!” sparked intense debate, Clarkson stepped forward to defend Swift and highlight the unequal reactions female artists face when expressing sexuality and desire.

During a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the Grammy-winning singer addressed the controversy head-on. “It’s wild to me,” Clarkson said. “Male artists sing about lust every day and nobody freaks out. But when a woman does it — suddenly it’s scandalous? Come on now.”

Clarkson praised Swift for transforming judgment into empowerment. “Taylor’s not promoting anything bad,” she explained. “She’s reclaiming a word that’s been used to tear women down forever. That’s brave — and honestly, it’s overdue.”

Swift’s “Slut!” — one of the vault tracks from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) — has divided listeners since its release. While some critics called it provocative, fans and fellow artists praised the song for flipping a historically misogynistic insult into a powerful statement of self-worth. Clarkson, who has faced her own share of public scrutiny, made it clear she stands firmly with Swift.

“When I first came out with songs like ‘Behind These Hazel Eyes’ or ‘Since U Been Gone,’ people focused on my breakup rather than my voice,” Clarkson recalled. “Women in music always get their emotions analyzed — men just get applause.”

Her remarks quickly gained traction online, with fans taking to social media to thank her for supporting Swift and advocating for women in entertainment. One fan wrote, “Kelly’s always been the voice of reason. She’s saying what everyone’s thinking — and saying it with class.”

Industry insiders have noted that Clarkson and Swift share a reputation for authenticity—two artists who have built their careers on honesty rather than image. Clarkson’s defense of Swift reflects not only solidarity but also a broader frustration with how female empowerment is often misunderstood.

Closing her segment, Clarkson summed up her message with her trademark blend of humor and heart: “Let women write about love, lust, or heartbreak — whatever they feel. That’s music. And if that makes people uncomfortable, maybe it’s time they listen a little closer.”

With these words, Kelly Clarkson reaffirmed why she remains one of the most respected voices in music—not just for her powerhouse vocals, but for her unwavering commitment to truth and equality.