The Brooklyn business that Kelly Clarkson accused of treating her as though she could not afford their products has responded to her allegations of mistreatment
The Brooklyn business that Kelly Clarkson accused of giving her the “Pretty Woman” treatment last week has responded to her allegations.
Clarkson accused Art of Play, a home goods store that sells unique items and trinkets, of treating her as if she could not afford the shop’s goods. Clarkson took to X to describe her less-than-favorable treatment at Art of Play. She wrote that an employee looked at her as if she “couldn’t afford” the item. The store has challenged Clarkson’s claims, saying that the American Idol singer actually 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. The store conceded that “the negative experience Kelly described on Twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.”
This comes after the shop shared a series of positive reviews to its Instagram story.
• David Muir applauded for remaining calm as ABC World News Tonight thrown into chaos
• Inside Susan Dell’s $50,000 MAGA makeover as original face exposed in throwback pics
“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,’” continued the store’s Instagram post, which was shared to its grid feed, “And they do; many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games and toys.”
“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,” reads the message.
The post finished with a not-so-subtle jab at the singer, adding a reference to her song “Stronger” and writing: “As a talented popular singer once said, ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”
Clarkson’s original post alleged that store for mistreating her -Credit:kellyclarkson/X
The response to Art of Play’s post was mixed.
“I do not understand the hate for such a small business and a big celebrity to just put out half-truths that we don’t know the full story to? Then everyone just attacks them.. smh.. get me off this world,” wrote one commenter.
“Oh helllllll nooooooo. What a horrible statement this is,” remarked a critic.
“Imagine driving all the way to Brooklyn, having one bad customer service experience, and deciding an entire business deserves to be publicly trashed. The irony of calling someone an idiot while behaving like a self-appointed authority on who deserves your money is something else,” added another viewer.