The internet loves a little inconsequential drama. This week it’s the beef brewing between Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn curiosity shop called Art of Play, over a $15,000 mechanical bird. Yes, you read that right.
Over the weekend, Clarkson took to X (formerly Twitter) to air her grievances after a visit to the NYC store that specialises in a “unique collection of magical home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books.”
In her recount of events, Clarkson says she had a Pretty Woman moment, referencing the iconic 1990s Julia Roberts rom-com, when she enquired about purchasing an item before being “looked at as if I couldn’t afford it.”
“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,” Clarkson said.
“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.”
The 44-year-old’s followers immediately flew into action, seeking justice for the singer by flooding the store with negative reviews.
Art Of Play’s Response
The store responded with an explanation and recount of events from its point of view, which unsurprisingly paint the exchange in a very different light.
“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,” the statement Instagram reads.
They went on to add: “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.’”
Kelly Clarkson Gives Counter Response
The response was met with mixed reactions, except from Clarkson who immediately countered their version of events.
“Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with,” she wrote on X.
“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.”
The American Idol alumna reiterated that she “loves small business” and frequently tries to shop small before adding that it doesn’t equal “a free pass to treat people less than in your store”.
It’s safe to say we’ll likely never know whose account is the truth, but it has the internet divided as they watch on with popcorn in hand.
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