A weekend shopping trip in Brooklyn erupted into a viral dispute between singer Kelly Clarkson and curiosity shop Art of Play, prompting multiple public statements and a wave of online reaction over a high-priced mechanical bird.
Clarkson, 44, ignited the dispute on Saturday when she posted on X that she had driven to the Brooklyn Heights retailer with plans to make purchases, only to be met with condescension. She compared her experience to the shopping scene in the 1990 movie “Pretty Woman,” writing that an employee looked at her as though she could not afford merchandise and suggested finding comparable goods, which caused the business to lose a major sale, Business Insider reported.
Dispute over a mechanical bird
Art of Play, which sells puzzles, games, toys and home items, responded Sunday on Instagram by stating that the item Clarkson inquired about was a one-of-a-kind bird automaton named Molly. The retailer explained that the device serves as an in-store mascot, is permanently fixed to a wall and is used during magic shows hosted at the shop, Rolling Stone reported.
The business said its staff aims to welcome every customer and expressed astonishment after being inundated by criticism from millions of online observers who had never set foot in the establishment. The shop concluded its initial message with a nod to Clarkson’s hit song “Stronger,” writing that what does not kill you makes you stronger, according to The Mirror US.
Clarkson rejected that explanation on Sunday night across social media. She stated that a price tag marked $15,000 with the title “Singing Bird” was displayed on the wall. She alleged that a clerk looked her up and down in a condescending manner before telling her the five-figure price and offering to locate an alternative. Labeling the establishment’s narrative dishonest, Clarkson wrote that while she supports small businesses, owners do not receive permission to mistreat patrons, according to Page Six.
Retailer clarifies offer and seeks resolution
Early Monday, Art of Play issued an updated statement to provide further context regarding the interaction. The store stated that while the wall-mounted puppet cannot be sold, its maker, Seattle-based artist Bliss Kolb, owned an almost identical twin automaton that he was willing to sell for $15,000, Page Six reported.
The shop added that staff members had also offered to present an alternative singing-bird automaton crafted in Germany that was priced around $2,000. However, the store claimed Clarkson departed before viewing that piece. The retailer stated that it had reached out to the singer directly in hopes of resolving the disagreement, according to Rolling Stone.
The feud sparked immediate fallout across review websites. Business Insider reported that the shop experienced fluctuating ratings on Google and Yelp, with users posting reviews referencing Clarkson. A spokesperson for Yelp told Business Insider that moderators may temporarily halt submissions during unusual traffic spikes to ensure listings reflect genuine consumer visits.
Representatives for Clarkson did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the store’s latest explanation, and it remains unclear whether the two parties have spoken directly to resolve the matter.
