Brief
Art of Play co‑owner says Clarkson dispute sparked threats to Brooklyn shop
Owner Adam Rubin says the controversy has resulted in phone‑spam, hate speech and street confrontations targeting staff and nearby residents.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Art of Play co‑owner Adam Rubin told Curbed on Oct. 13 that the shop in Brooklyn has faced a wave of harassment and threats since singer Kelly Clarkson publicly criticized the store on X on Oct. 10.
What happened
Rubin said employees, supporters and nearby residents have received phone calls, emails, negative reviews and personal information leaks. He claimed strangers have shown up outside the shop to confront staff, and that the volume of messages forced the store to turn off its phone line. Rubin added that hate‑speech and violent threats continue to appear on the point‑of‑sale iPad while customers are being served.
What the reports add
The interview notes that the dispute began when Clarkson posted on X, alleging staff treated her as if she could not afford a mechanical singing bird called “Molly.” Art of Play responded that the bird is permanently attached to a wall and not for sale, later clarifying that a similar automaton is priced at $15,000 and another German‑made version costs about $2,000. Rubin said the store reached out to Clarkson directly to resolve the misunderstanding.
What was said
Rubin told Curbed, “Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger,” adding that “there’s so much hate speech, so many threats of violence. If an actual customer tries to get in touch with us right now, they will never be able to.” He described the situation as an “insane misunderstanding.”
How it came about
Clarkson’s X post on Oct. 10 followed a four‑minute, 50‑second visit to the shop that was captured on security footage and later reported by Felo News. The singer claimed a staff member told her the bird was available for $15,000 before offering a comparable item, prompting her to accuse the store of snubbing her. Art of Play’s subsequent statements and Rubin’s Curbed interview provide the latest perspective on the fallout.
Key facts
- Art of Play co‑owner Adam Rubin says the store has received harassment and threats since Kelly Clarkson's Oct. 10 X post. (billboard.com)
- Rubin claims the shop turned off its phone due to overwhelming abusive messages. (billboard.com)
- Clarkson alleged staff treated her as if she couldn't afford a $15,000 automaton bird named Molly. (billboard.com)
- Art of Play says the bird is a permanent fixture and not for sale, though a similar piece is priced at $15,000. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “‘Kelly Clarkson Has Put Us in Danger’: Art of Play Owner Says Viral Dispute Has Led to Threats Against NYC Store”
