Kelly Clarkson is firing back at a Brooklyn store owner after a shopping trip turned into a heated public dispute over a $15,000 item.
The singer and talk show host took to social media on October 10, saying she had driven to Art of Play hoping to browse and buy several things. Instead, she claimed an employee treated her as though she could not afford an expensive singing bird displayed in the store.
Clarkson said the employee offered to find her something “comparable,” which she interpreted as condescending. She compared the experience to the famous scene in the 1990 film Pretty Woman, in which Julia Roberts’ character is treated dismissively while shopping.
But the store soon pushed back with a different explanation. Art of Play said the singing and dancing bird, named Molly, was a one-of-a-kind automaton used in its magic shows and was permanently attached to the wall, meaning it was not for sale. The business also said a similar machine owned by the artist was valued at $15,000.
Clarkson was not convinced. She responded by sharing a photo that she said showed a price tag beside the item and insisted that the conversation she described had taken place. She then called the store “rude” and a “liar,” escalating the disagreement.
The dispute quickly gained attention online, with people debating whether Clarkson had been unfairly treated or whether the store’s explanation changed the picture.
Art of Play said it was surprised by the backlash and emphasized that it welcomes customers. Clarkson, meanwhile, maintained that being a small business does not excuse treating people disrespectfully.
For now, both sides stand by their accounts, leaving the disagreement over the unusual shopping encounter unresolved.