Kelly Clarkson is a hard-working musician and has been since the day she won season one of American Idol.
Clarkson, a mother of two, recently filed for divorce from her partner of 7 years, Brandon Blackstock, and has been looking after their children River, 6, and Remington, 4.
As Clarkson, 38, is now filling in for Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent (because Cowell broke his back in an electric bike accident), she is back to work.
But some random person on the internet disliked that.
In a now deleted comment, a Twitter user wrote:
"Now Kelly is taking Simon's place ... no wonder her marriage didn't work … surprise she has time for her kids … not the good old country girl we fell in love with … it's all about Kelly being on tv … and no one else … no tears for her … but for her kids."
Clarkson responded pretty quickly.
Wow. Shaming a woman who has a great work ethic, is a great mom, and who steps up and fills in when a friends asks… https://t.co/gk4oY1BCxq— Kelly Clarkson (@Kelly Clarkson)1597351930.0
"Wow. Shaming a woman who has a great work ethic, is a great mom, and who steps up and fills in when a friends [sic] asks for a favor because that's actually what 'good old country girls' do.... this can't be who you are deep down. I have more faith in your heart. Aim higher please."
@kellyclarkson I cannot understand the thought process of the original poster! Keep on smashing life and being the… https://t.co/Adxwl0FhTk— H (@H)1597352039.0
@kellyclarkson You are awesome Kelly. Please do not let such a person give you one second of your time. This is w… https://t.co/yEuGFjunff— Lisa Layne Figg (@Lisa Layne Figg)1597369463.0
@kellyclarkson If people spent more time finding the positive side of life can you imagine what this world could be… https://t.co/UYmFB0ogdJ— Sharon (@Sharon)1597401140.0
@kellyclarkson Kelly you are an inspiration through and through and rock at all you do with your heart on your slee… https://t.co/7NRdOYuifb— Laura Spiess (@Laura Spiess)1597430414.0
Fans immediately came to Clarkson's post to lift her up, even as she chose to lift the poster up.
@kellyclarkson @kellyclarkson there will always be haters but please know that the world has way more love in it. I… https://t.co/dIBGfolkrh— Miggy Smalls (@Miggy Smalls)1597362459.0
@kellyclarkson Wow Kelly I did not realize how petty people can. You are great and have a great heart. People tha… https://t.co/g9MItdhOVZ— Angella Demell (@Angella Demell)1597366769.0
@kellyclarkson @kellyclarkson I’m sure none of us know of the life behind closed doors...we get a glimpse of most o… https://t.co/k6EVJbUwZA— Mel (@Mel)1597367094.0
@kellyclarkson Why in the great hell do people think they’re entitled to so harshly judge and disparage people is b… https://t.co/YgQaxjlnhD— John Baldwin (@John Baldwin)1597364372.0
@kellyclarkson A mother has the hardest and most difficult job in the world. Country moms are the absolute best. Fr… https://t.co/2VVtJP2ZLU— JOSEPH LOUIS MACIEL (@JOSEPH LOUIS MACIEL)1597354994.0
The narrative that a woman belongs at home with the children all the time is not only outdated, it's nearly impossible.
According to Motherly:
"A 30-year-old woman who makes $55,000 each year could expect to lose $539,795 by staying at home with a child for five years—due to the combination of lost wages, lost wage growth and lost retirement assets."
And due to the rising costs of rent, groceries and living expenses, as well as the stagnation of wages, it's much harder to get by on a single income.
Or no income.
Since Clarkson filed for divorce in June and the couple are estranged, if Clarkson decided to quit working, there is no partner to pay all her bills.
@kellyclarkson Yup you sure handled that like a pro Kelly!! Most people I know would shovel it right back. The one… https://t.co/9d4ZTmxJ2O— Paige (@Paige)1597366182.0
@kellyclarkson Why are you "shaming" Kelly? She is STEPPING UP for her mentor/friend who was INJURED..Simon needs h… https://t.co/dfH23aiELr— Annette Miller (@Annette Miller)1597359260.0
@kellyclarkson You tell her Kelly! You are probably the nicest most genuine person in Hollywood and you earned your… https://t.co/1W49lvJK4V— jaclyn hejl (@jaclyn hejl)1597364451.0
@kellyclarkson Twitter would be better if people lived by the principal of "If you can't say something nice, Don'… https://t.co/r8nlvjljXR— Sheryl Guess (@Sheryl Guess)1597414549.0
@kellyclarkson Absolutely, Kelly! Great response. It’s amazing how people love to judge others, when they have abso… https://t.co/NmbK3Cd7Mb— Mellymel (@Mellymel)1597355727.0
Kelly's response was poised and dignified and chose to end on a positive note.
While it's easy to be mean to someone over the internet, it is possible to make the opposite choice.