Fans slammed Kelly Clarkson, calling her ‘tone-deaf’ and ‘entitled’ after she attacked the Brooklyn home goods store Art of Play, which is an independent business.
Kelly Clarkson is in hot water after her viral beef with the Brooklyn home goods store, Art of Play, rages on.
The singer initially slammed the store online, saying they made her feel as if she were getting the “Pretty Woman” experience, implying she felt looked down upon by the store’s assistants.
Soon enough, Art of Play responded to the allegations, saying that Kelly, 44, tried to buy a “one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton” that is “permanently attached to the wall” and is unavailable for purchase. This comes as the Brooklyn store has a witty response to the ordeal.
The Brooklyn store’s statement went on, “At Art of Play, whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome.
“We greet everyone who walks in the door with the invitation to ‘pick things up and play. And they do; many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games, and toys. This comes after Kelly Clarkson feared she had an ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store. It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity,” wrote Art of Play.
“Thanks to all our friends for their support, and welcome to all the curious folks who have discovered us amidst the drama. We’re going to keep our heads down, and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday.” They then rounded off their post with a reference to Clarkson’s track Stronger, as they declared, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
The Breakaway singer quickly retorted, writing on X, “Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with 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.'”
Kelly Clarkson tried to buy a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton (Image: Instagram/artofplay)
She continued, “That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. Okay, cool. 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. I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them, but you don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business.
“It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you my friend were an exception. Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t,” she added.
The shocking back-and-forth left many fans puzzled, who pointed their fingers at Kelly for being “entitled” and “tone-deaf.”
A user wrote on X, “Am amazed — and fascinated by this saga — b/c it speaks to need to end Americans’ gushing love of celebs. Imagine rarely using social media (speaking out about wars, children starving, deportations, animal abuse, etc? Nah!) and instead deciding to using it to… bitch about a working-class employee being, at worst, snobbish towards you. Oh, and when you were trying to buy a $15,000 novelty singing bird (so relatable). We do not hate celebrities enough.”
The store claimed the bird was ‘unavailable’ for purchase (Image: Instagram/artofplay)
Another one noted on the platform, “Remember everyone, @kellyclarkson is a LIAR !! She went to ‘art of play’ in Brooklyn and wanted to buy a product that WASN’T FOR SALE. when they said no, she went on social media and badmouthed them. I guess when you are as entitled as she is, you believe you are owed everything.”
And a third person chimed in, calling the singer tone-deaf: “Please God, never let me get to the level of tone deaf where I’m publicly whining about a stupid $15k TOY bird that 99% of Americans could never afford b/c they are struggling to make ends meet.”
To which another user said, “Honestly, we voted for Kelly to be rich. She was elected to be wealthy by the people. Hah.”
An additional viewer called Kelly’s behavior “bullying.” “I feel like what she did here was bullying. I’ve gotten poor customer service plenty of times, and it sucks. However, the power dynamic of her calling out a small business with her 8+ million followers and huge amounts of wealth feels really cringe,” they wrote on X.
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