Brief
Art of Play says Kelly Clarkson tried to buy a permanent‑wall bird automaton
The shop’s Instagram statement says the item Clarkson wanted was never for sale and describes the online backlash it sparked.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kelly Clarkson posted on X on Friday claiming staff at New York toy store Art of Play treated her poorly. The store later posted an Instagram statement saying the bird automaton she asked about, called “Molly,” is permanently attached to a wall and not for sale.
What happened
According to the store’s statement, Clarkson visited the Brooklyn location and inquired about purchasing “Molly,” a one‑of‑a‑kind singing and dancing bird automaton used in the shop’s magic shows. Staff explained that the piece is fixed to the wall and cannot be bought. Clarkson’s X post described the interaction as a snub and likened the treatment to the character Julia Roberts played in Pretty Woman.
What the reports add
Both Independent articles reproduce the same Instagram statement, noting that the shop encourages visitors to “pick things up and play” but that the specific item Clarkson wanted is not for sale. The statement also mentions that the store felt “surprised” by an “8 million‑person” online backlash after the celebrity’s post.
What was said
Art of Play wrote on Instagram: “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.” The shop added, “Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store.”
How it came about
Clarkson’s X post sparked a wave of online criticism, prompting the store to issue the Instagram response. Felo News previously covered the dispute in its article on 11 October 2026, which reported the same X post and the store’s claim that the bird automaton is a permanent fixture.
Key facts
- Kelly Clarkson asked Art of Play staff about purchasing a bird automaton named “Molly.” (independent.co.uk)
- Art of Play said “Molly” is permanently attached to the wall and not for sale. (independent.co.uk)
- The store said it was surprised by an online backlash it described as “8 million people.” (independent.co.uk)
