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Kelly Clarkson Feuds with Brooklyn Game Store over $15,000 Toy Bird
The original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, is feuding online with the Brooklyn toy store Art of Play because an "idiot" employee allegedly "looked at" the singer in a manner suggesting she could not afford a $15,000 toy bird.
In a Saturday post on X, Clarkson said:
"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 👎"
Clarkson appeared to be referencing the scene in the film Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts' character is treated rudely by a salesperson in a Rodeo Drive boutique because she was underdressed.
The store posted a response to their official Instagram account on Sunday:
"Yesterday, Kelly Clarkson visited us in Brooklyn and inquired about buying 'Molly,' a 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."
"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."
The lengthy post went on to say, "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."
"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."
"As a talented popular singer once said 'what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger'", the post concluded, referring specifically to one of Clarkson's hit songs.
Clarkson fired back at the store, calling the salesperson a "liar". The multiple GRAMMY award-winner posted 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.' 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," the post continued, "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."
Clarkson attached a photo submitted by a fan that shows what appears to be a small sign on a wall reading, "Singing Bird Automaton by Bliss Kolb $15,000". The sign is not pictured next to the bird in the store, nor does it mention that it is for the actual toy bird in the store.
Art of Play responded on Instagram:
"We’d like to clarify some additional details about Kelly Clarkson’s visit to our Curiosity Shop on Saturday."
"During the 5 minutes she spent in the store, she inquired about our mechanical bird puppet named Molly. We explained that while Molly is permanently attached to the wall and serves as a de facto mascot for our shop, a nearly identical automaton is owned by the creator of the machines, a brilliant artist named Bliss Kolb who lives in Seattle. He told us he would be willing to part with Molly’s twin for $15,000. We explained all of this to Kelly Clarkson."
"We also offered to show her a different singing bird automaton, made by a traditional clockmaking shop in Germany, that she could have taken home with her that day. It costs about $2,000. She did not stick around long enough to see it."
"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."
Art of Play has pinned a post on their Instagram from September 5th, specifically showing the yellow toy bird from the store with the caption "Our favorite items not for sale".
