The gloves are OFF. Kelly Clarkson has come out swinging against her former mentor Clive Davis, who fostered her through the early, post-'American Idol' days of her career.

While everyone is talking about the fact that Davis came out as bisexual in the pages of his 'The Soundtrack of My Life' memoir, Clarkson seeks to clear up the false information she says he is spreading about her. Clarkson's side of the story is markedly different than Davis' side.

The singer posted a lengthy statement responding to things Davis says in his book, claiming that he got facts mixed up about 'Since U Been Gone,' her first and one of her biggest hits. She also reveals that while she did cry in his office, it was not for reasons he suggests. Instead, it was her response to the fact that he belittled her and chastised her, questioning her talent.

Clarkson is certainly slinging a little mud here, but she says she is doing so because she believes she shouldn't have to cower to anyone, not even a music industry legend like Clive Davis. She also says that he sabotaged her 'My December' record. It was widely reported that the two had clashed when Clarkson made that album, disagreeing on its artistic direction.

Her decision to speak out against a man who once guided her career is a risky one, since Davis has the respect of so many in this business. But Clarkson is doing what she feels is right and is telling her side of the story to the world.

Clearly, these two did not sever their professional ties on any sort of positive level. Clarkson has guts to tell her truth. It's an empowering open letter, that's for sure.

Clarkson's post is below.

So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music. I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don't have to cower to anyone - even Clive Davis.

First, he says I burst into "hysterical sobbing" in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. Max, Luke and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn't be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way.

But, yes, I did cry in his office once. I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called "Because Of You." I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that 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.
But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn't include that in the book.

He also goes on to say My December wasn't successful because I co-penned the album and it didn't have "pop hits". Well, first let me say, I've co-penned many of my "pop hits." Secondly, My December went platinum (It sold 20,000 less than All I Ever Wanted which followed My December.) Hardly a huge failure. Never Again, the ONLY single they released in the US from that record was a Top 10 hit. I am very proud of that and I have my fans to thank. 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. It never had a chance to reach it's full potential. My December was an album I needed to make for myself for many reasons and the fact that I was so completely disregarded and disrespected was so disheartening, there really aren't words to explain….

Anyway, I love my job. I love my music. I love my fans. I love my label and all of my professional relationships… now. And I am grateful for Clive for teaching me to know the difference.

Cheers to another amazing year! And, as always, thanks for listening!

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Watch the Kelly Clarkson 'Catch My Breath' Video

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