Kelly Clarkson said a recent trip to the Brooklyn shop Art of Play left her feeling dismissed by the staff. She claimed she had gone there with specific items in mind, including a mechanical bird, only to be treated as though she could not afford them.
The 44-year-old singer posted about the visit on X. She wrote that after driving all the way to Brooklyn, she “literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me.” She followed with, “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.”
Clarkson said the interaction reminded her of the scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts’ character Vivian is judged by store employees. She described the moment as surprising given that she had made the effort to visit the shop in person.
Art of Play responds that the bird automaton stays on the wall and was never available to purchase
The store addressed Clarkson’s account the next day on Instagram. Art of Play, known for its selection of home goods, puzzles, games, toys, and books, said she had asked about “Molly,” a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton.
Staff explained that Molly is part of the magic shows performed at the location. They stated the piece “is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.”
The business noted that the kind of experience Clarkson described would resonate with anyone who has felt judged while shopping. It added that everyone is welcome in the store.
According to People, Clarkson fired back at the store on Instagram Stories. She wrote, “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, 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.”
She also posted a grainy photo that she said captured the bird on the wall next to its price tag. In the same Stories update she wrote, “So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.”
Clarkson said she regularly supports small businesses and had stopped by this one intending to buy something. Shoppers being treated poorly in stores has come up before, as a Pennsylvania woman says a Chanel employee told her to leave after she came in to buy shoes.
“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,” she stated. “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 added.
Art of Play expressed surprise at how quickly the situation escalated. The store wrote, “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.” Retail disputes can flare fast, such as when a woman shops at Urban Outfitters and a manager allegedly accuses her of stealing a skirt without proof.
Clarkson, best known for the hit Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You), is a mother of two who relocated to New York City in the fall of 2023.
Published: Oct 12, 2026 09:15 am