Kelly Clarkson Alleges Rude Treatment at Brooklyn Shop

Kelly Clarkson, the singer and former talk show host, has found herself in a public dispute with a Brooklyn, New York store, Art of Play, after she claimed she was treated rudely while shopping there. The incident came to light over the weekend following a series of social media posts that quickly gained widespread attention.

Clarkson's Claims Spark Viral Attention

On October 10, Clarkson detailed her experience on X (formerly Twitter), reporting that she had visited Art of Play to purchase certain items. Upon inquiring about an expensive product, Clarkson alleged that a shop employee suggested alternative, less expensive items. She likened her treatment to a scene from the film "Pretty Woman" where Julia Roberts' character is dismissed by sales staff at a high-end boutique.

"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 wrote. Her post quickly went viral and collected over 43 million views.

Shop Responds to Accusations

In response to the viral post, Art of Play used their social media platforms to address Clarkson's accusations. The store claimed that Clarkson had tried to buy "Molly," a singing and dancing bird automaton that plays a key role in their magic shows and is permanently attached to a wall, making it not available for sale. "Yesterday, Kelly Clarkson visited us in Brooklyn and inquired about buying 'Molly,' ... Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn't for sale," read the shop’s Instagram statement.

The shop said it hoped to eventually clear things up with Clarkson, opting to "keep our heads down."

Clarkson Shares More Details

On Sunday evening, Clarkson posted a follow-up on social media, including a photo of the item she had attempted to purchase. The photo appeared to show a price tag next to the mechanical bird. "Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn't for sale," she remarked sarcastically, contesting the shop’s narrative. She described being addressed in a condescending tone and being told the item was priced at $15,000, with an offer from the employee to find something similar for her instead.

Further Clarifications from Art of Play

Early Monday, Art of Play released another statement, calling the exchange a "misunderstanding." According to the shop, during her approximately five-minute visit, Clarkson asked about Molly, the mechanical bird puppet. They explained Molly was a shop mascot and not for sale, but that the artist Bliss Kolb in Seattle owned a nearly identical automaton, which could be bought for $15,000. Art of Play also offered Clarkson a different singing bird automaton made by a German clockmaker, costing about $2,000, but said she left before viewing it.

Reactions from the Public

The dispute has attracted strong opinions on both sides. Some social media users have noted inconsistencies in the store’s varying statements, while others have criticized Clarkson for airing the incident publicly. Both Clarkson and Art of Play have drawn both criticism and support from their respective audiences in light of the situation.

ABC News has contacted both parties for additional comment as the public discussion over this high-profile customer experience continues.

Source: abc13.com.