Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn store are locked in a public feud over a $US15,000 mechanical singing bird.
Over the weekend, the US singer publicly slammed games shop Art of Play, claiming the staff treated her like she couldn’t afford the toy bird and offered an alternative.
“Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” Clarkson wrote on X.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
The store then responded to Clarkson by saying the singer tried to purchase Molly, a singing toy bird that was not for sale.
The store said the fixture was “permanently attached to the wall” and used in its magic shows. It also denied the singer’s treatment claims, insisting everyone is “equally welcome” in their establishment.
Kelly Clarkson has hit back at claims the toy bird wasn’t for sale. Credit: Instagram
Despite facing criticism for leveraging her fame against a small business, the former talk show host refused to back down and refuted claims that the item wasn’t for sale.
Clarkson posted an image of the singing toy bird in question, which appears to show a price tag of $US15,000.
Kelly Clarkson shared an image appearing to show a price tag on the bird she was told wasn’t for sale. Credit: Instagram
The singer shared a lengthy reply in response to the store’s statement. Credit: Instagram
The singer then followed up with a lengthy response, calling the business a “liar”.
“Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with,” Clarkson said.
“So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.
“And by the way, I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things.”
In a follow-up statement on Instagram, the shop offered further details, saying it had explained to Clarkson that a “nearly identical automation” could be purchased directly from the artist for $15,000.
“We explained all of this to Kelly Clarkson,” the store on Instagram.
“We also offered to show her a different singing bird automaton, made by a traditional clockmaking shop in Germany, that she could have taken home with her that day.
“It costs about $2,000. She did not stick around long enough to see it.
“We’ve reached out to Kelly directly to try and clear the air. We really do wish her the best and hope that someday we can all laugh about this misunderstanding.”
The dispute has divided social media users, with some now accusing the shop of lying about whether the mechanical bird was for sale.
Business hits back after Kelly Clarkson’s unfair treatment claims
2 min read
US actress arrested after mid-flight brawl, officials say
2 min read