Kelly Clarkson, beloved pop icon and Emmy-winning host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, has recently found herself at the center of heated debate after comments she made about disciplining her children went viral. In an interview that resurfaced and quickly reignited on social media, Clarkson admitted that she occasionally spanks her children when they misbehave—an old-school parenting method that has sparked both outrage and support from fans and parenting experts alike.

The 42-year-old mother of two—daughter River Rose and son Remington—spoke candidly about her discipline style during a radio interview, originally aired years ago but widely recirculated in recent days. In the clip, she says, “I’m not above a spanking, which people aren’t necessarily into. And I don’t mean hitting hard. I mean just a little spanking on the bottom when someone’s acting a fool.”

While Clarkson emphasized that she doesn’t endorse harsh punishment and makes sure her children know it’s a consequence for specific behavior, many on social media were quick to criticize the singer for normalizing physical discipline, particularly as research increasingly points to its potential harm.

A Parenting Divide

The backlash was swift. Thousands of tweets and comments flooded social platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, with users voicing their concern. “Disappointed but not surprised,” one user wrote. “Spanking teaches fear, not respect.” Others echoed the sentiment, arguing that even light physical punishment can have long-term negative effects on a child’s emotional development.

“Kelly Clarkson is wildly influential,” tweeted one parenting advocate. “It’s irresponsible for someone with her platform to suggest that spanking is acceptable. There are more effective, compassionate ways to discipline.”

Child psychologists have also weighed in. Dr. Melissa Hall, a licensed therapist specializing in child behavior, explained that while spanking was once widely accepted, modern studies show it can lead to increased aggression, anxiety, and damaged parent-child relationships. “Even if it’s done without anger, spanking models physical control as a problem-solving method. That’s not the lesson we want our kids to learn.”

But Not Everyone Disagrees

Amid the backlash, however, Clarkson also found support from parents who say her approach is realistic and honest. Many commenters praised her for speaking openly about a topic that’s often taboo in modern parenting discussions.

“As a mom, I appreciate Kelly’s honesty,” one supporter posted on Facebook. “We all have different ways of raising our kids, and spanking—done sparingly and thoughtfully—isn’t abuse. It’s discipline.”

Some pointed to cultural differences in parenting, arguing that in many communities, spanking is still seen as a necessary part of raising respectful, grounded children. “Not everyone subscribes to ‘gentle parenting,’” another commenter wrote. “Let’s not shame moms who are doing their best.”

Clarkson’s History with Honest Parenting

Clarkson has always been transparent about the challenges of motherhood, often sharing both the joys and frustrations that come with parenting two young children. She’s spoken publicly about the guilt that working mothers face, her co-parenting journey following her divorce from Brandon Blackstock, and how she tries to stay grounded despite her fame.

“I’m just trying to do the best I can,” she’s said in past interviews. “Some days I feel like Supermom, and other days I feel like I’m failing.”

This openness has endeared her to millions of fans—but it also means that her words carry weight, especially when it comes to controversial subjects like parenting.

What Comes Next?

As the debate continues to swirl, some fans are calling on Clarkson to clarify her comments or issue a statement addressing the controversy. Others are demanding that media outlets stop re-amplifying old interviews, especially when taken out of their full context.

So far, Clarkson has not responded publicly to the renewed backlash. Whether she chooses to elaborate or let the conversation unfold without her input remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: this moment has reignited a broader national conversation about parenting, discipline, and the evolving expectations placed on mothers in the public eye.

For better or worse, Kelly Clarkson’s comments have peeled back the curtain on one of parenting’s most sensitive debates. And as the world continues to weigh in, it’s a reminder that even America’s sweetheart isn’t immune to controversy in the age of viral discourse.