A shopping trip to Brooklyn has sparked an online dispute between Kelly Clarkson and a novelty store over a mechanical bird reportedly priced at $15,000.
The singer accused the store Art of Play of treating her as though she could not afford its merchandise during her visit on Saturday, October 10.
The Brooklyn business disputed her account the following day, explaining that the bird she wanted to purchase was permanently attached to the wall and unavailable for sale.
Clarkson subsequently accused the store of misrepresenting their conversation, escalating the disagreement across social media.
Kelly Clarkson describes her shopping experience
Kelly Clarkson accuses Brooklyn store of disrespect. BY: MEGA.
Clarkson initially criticized Art of Play in a post on X, saying she had traveled to Brooklyn because the store looked interesting and had several items she intended to purchase.
She then alleged that she “literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me.”
Clarkson compared the experience to Julia Roberts’ character in the 1990 film Pretty Woman, which features a woman being dismissed by boutique employees.
She also criticized the employee and encouraged her followers to visit the store to experience similar treatment.
Her post attracted nearly 260,000 likes and 32.2 million views, according to Variety.
The response prompted social media users to criticize the business, with some leaving negative online reviews, Page Six reported.
Art of Play says the bird was not for sale
Art of Play responds to Kelly Clarkson’s allegations. BY: MEGA.
On Sunday, October 11, Art of Play published a statement on Instagram explaining that Clarkson had asked about ‘Molly,’ “a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton who plays an important role in the magic shows” performed at the store.
A February 2025 Instagram post had previously described the bird as the store’s mascot and noted that it was among the few items marked with a Do Not Touch sign.
Although the statement did not directly address Clarkson’s allegation about the employee’s behavior, the store expressed hope that it could resolve the misunderstanding with the singer.
Clarkson challenges the store’s explanation
Kelly Clarkson’s challenges Art of Play’s reply. BY: MEGA.
Clarkson rejected the explanation in a subsequent post on X, disputing the claim that Molly was never for sale.
She said, “So the whole conversation we had when I asked you if it was for sale whilst pointing to the price tag hanging on the wall with the title Singing Bird didn’t happen as you elevator eyed me saying in a condescending tone “yes, it’s for sale but it costs 15,000 dollars so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can.”
“That all never happened and now it’s not for sale [..] So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar.”
The singer argued that she supported small businesses; however, that did not excuse poor customer service.
She maintained that she had visited specifically to purchase merchandise and reiterated that kindness should not depend on a customer’s perceived financial status.
The dispute also prompted debate over whether Clarkson had been recognized during her visit and whether publicly criticizing a small business was appropriate.
Some users questioned her interpretation of the encounter, while others supported her expectation of respectful treatment.