File this one under unlikely beefs.
Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn-based novelty store have been going back and forth on social media all weekend. Why?
It all started on Saturday when Clarkson took to X to recount how she was treated at the store, called Art of Play, and felt the staff had been disrespectful.
“Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me,” the “American Idol” star wrote.
She continued, “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale. But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in ‘Pretty Woman.’ For sure, check it out.”
Clarkson’s post drew millions of views and the attention of the store itself.
Art of Play responded on Sunday, Oct. 11, writing that the item Clarkson had been interested in, “Molly,” a, per the store, “one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton who plays an important role in the magic shows we host here.”
“Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale. However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop,” they continued.
“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,” their post continued.
Things get cheeky as they further addressed Clarkson’s post, writing, “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.”
The store thanked their friends for the support and for the people who suddenly showed an interest in the store.
“We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’” they concluded.
But Clarkson wasn’t done. She shared a photo someone sent her of Molly with a price tag on her Instagram stories and further fired back on the next slide.
“Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale,” she wrote. “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.’ That all never happened and now it’s not for sale.”
“So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it,” she added.
Clarkson made it clear she supports small businesses because “I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things.”
“But you don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business,” she wrote. “It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you my friend were an exception.”
She added, “Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t.”
Art of Play fired back Monday, claiming they explained that while Molly was not for sale, a “nearly identical automaton” owned by the creator was and that it was available for the aforementioned $15,000. They also say they had a different “singing bird automaton” made in Germany that was available that day. “She did not stick around long enough to see it,” the shop said.
“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,” they wrote.
No response from Kelly as of midday Monday, but who knows how long this beef over amechanical bird??? (Yep. A mechanical bird!) will go on.
Follow us on Instagram @WeArePauseRewind for all your pop culture obsessions.