What began as a complaint about a shopping experience has turned into a growing back-and-forth between Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn store. After the business publicly responded to the singer’s claims, Clarkson pushed back, accusing the store of changing the narrative and recounting her version of events. With both sides now weighing in, the dispute appears to be escalating rather than fading away.
Brooklyn Store Claims Kelly Clarkson Wanted To Purchase An Item That Wasn’t For Sale
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. 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 👎
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 10, 2026
On October 10, Kelly Clarkson took to X to share a bad shopping experience at Art of Play, a Brooklyn boutique that sells toys, books, and home goods, with her more than 8 million followers.
The store received backlash over an employee’s alleged profiling of the singer, and its Yelp page and Instagram were flooded with scathing comments.
The store responded to Clarkson’s claim, saying the singer had asked about an automated bird known as Molly, which was attached to the wall and wasn’t for sale, according to The Blast. “Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” they wrote.
The business added that they hope to “clear things up” with Clarkson, and referenced one of her songs, writing, “As a talented popular singer once said, ‘ What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
The Singer Recounts Her Conversation With The Employee
Clarkson isn’t backing down, and she has responded to the store. She accused the business of changing the narrative, sharing her conversation with the clerk.
According to the singer, a price tag labeled $15,000 sat beside the “Singing Bird” display, and she asked if it was for sale.
“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,” the employee allegedly told Clarkson.
“That all never happened, and now it’s not for sale,” the singer said sarcastically, adding, “So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.” She also included a screenshot of the price tag, seemingly sourced from another user.
Kelly Clarkson Says She Loves Supporting Small Businesses
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… pic.twitter.com/9PEhUWnIOt
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 11, 2026
In her lengthy post, Clarkson said she “obviously” supports small businesses, noting that she was at Art of Play to “purchase things.” However, she noted that they don’t get a “free pass” for treating customers “less than.”
“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 concluded her post.
As some users pointed out, the issue wasn’t that Clarkson wasn’t sold the bird, but rather how the employee allegedly treated her and talked to her in a “condescending tone.”
The Bird At The Center Of The Controversy
In an Instagram post dated February 2025, Art of Play posted photos of the singing bird, Molly, describing it as the store’s “beloved shop bird and mascot.” It was created by artist and inventor Bliss Kolb.
“Molly is one of the few items in the shop that has a ‘Do Not Touch’ sign,” the store noted, sharing that the singing bird “performs” as the opening act to magic and mentalism performances.
Despite the store’s explanation that the item is not for sale, many are questioning why there was a price tag in the first place.
Public Opinion Is Divided
While many people believe Clarkson’s account and are standing by her, critics are calling her out for using her massive platform against a small business.
Some pointed out that Art of Play’s online ratings and Yelp reviews were largely positive before tanking after Clarkson’s social media post.
People defended the singer, arguing that celebrities, like any other customer, have the right to share their experiences.
Rather than putting the matter to rest, Clarkson’s latest response has fueled the ongoing dispute.
Also Read:NYC Store Disables Instagram Comments After Kelly Clarkson Blasts Them Online
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