Brief
Kelly Clarkson claims Brooklyn shop snubbed her over $15,000 bird automaton
The singer's X post about a five‑minute visit to Art of Play ignited a social‑media firestorm.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Kelly Clarkson posted on X on Saturday after a brief visit to Art of Play, a boutique on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, claiming staff treated her as if she couldn’t afford a $15,000 bird automaton.
What happened
Clarkson said she drove to Brooklyn to check out the store, which sells games, novelty items and hosts magic shows. During a five‑minute shop tour she pointed to a mechanical yellow bird mounted on the wall, later identified by the shop as “Molly,” and asked if it was for sale. The clerk allegedly replied that the item was not for sale, prompting Clarkson to write on X that she was “looked at as if I couldn’t afford it.” She added that the salesperson told her he would find something else to buy.
What the reports add
The article notes that the bird is a permanent fixture attached to the wall, not a purchasable item, according to an Instagram post from Art of Play. The post also cited a September Instagram image labeling the bird as “Our favourite items not for sale.” Some online users pointed to an uncited image showing a $15,000 price tag next to the bird, though the shop says no such tag exists for that specific piece.
What was said
Clarkson wrote on X, “Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad… literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it.” She later posted a grainy photo of what she claimed was a $15,000 price tag and added, “So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar.” The shop responded on Instagram, clarifying that “Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale,” and expressed surprise at the “8 million people” attacking the small local business.
How it came about
The dispute follows a series of posts by Clarkson that have amassed over 40 million views. Art of Play’s co‑owner Adam Rubin later said the controversy led to phone‑spam, hate speech and street confrontations targeting staff and nearby residents, though those details are from later coverage not included in this source.
Key facts
- Kelly Clarkson posted on X accusing Art of Play staff of treating her as if she couldn't afford a $15,000 bird automaton. (smh.com.au)
- Art of Play said the bird, named "Molly," is permanently attached to the wall and not for sale. (smh.com.au)
- Clarkson's post generated over 40 million views within two days. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Kelly Clarkson feuds with a Brooklyn novelty shop, and the internet piles on”
