Kelly Clarkson’s Brooklyn store visit captured on security footage
Footage released by podcast host Pablo Torre shows the singer’s brief shop tour and her post‑visit X rant.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Security camera footage released by podcast host Pablo Torre shows Kelly Clarkson’s four‑minute, 50‑second visit to the Art of Play novelty store in Brooklyn on Saturday, after the singer accused staff of treating her like she couldn’t afford items.
What happened
The video, captured by a store‑installed camera, records Clarkson entering the shop with her children, wearing a baseball hat, bright‑yellow T‑shirt, baggy jeans and a backpack. She spends most of the time handling a kaleidoscope near the entrance, then approaches an automaton bird named “Molly” mounted on the wall. After a brief exchange with the owner about the bird, she walks to another part of the store, where a second employee at the cash register appears to ignore her. Clarkson exits the store and, fifteen minutes later, posts on X that she was “looked at as if I couldn’t afford it.”
What the reports add
Hollywood Reporter notes that the footage lacks audio and that the store owner attempts to regain Clarkson’s attention by pointing to another product, but she does not respond. Variety adds that an alternative camera angle shows an employee speaking with Clarkson and pointing near the bird, though the exact object is unclear. Both outlets confirm the store’s later statement that the bird is permanently attached to the wall and not for sale.
What was said
Variety reports Clarkson wrote on X, “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” before naming the store. The Hollywood Reporter excerpt of her X post reads, “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 somethi…”. Art of Play responded on Sunday, stating the bird is “permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale” and “plays an important role in the magic shows we host.”
How it came about
Clarkson’s accusations began on X on Saturday, sparking a backlash that Felo News covered on 11 October (Kelly Clarkson accuses Brooklyn shop of snubbing her; store says sought bird automaton isn’t for sale). The store’s clarification that the automaton is not for sale was posted the following day. Torre’s release of the security footage on 14 October provides a visual account of the encounter.
Key facts
- Kelly Clarkson visited Art of Play in Brooklyn for 4 minutes, 50 seconds. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- She inquired about an automaton bird named "Molly" that is permanently attached to the wall. (variety.com)
- Clarkson posted on X after leaving, claiming staff treated her as if she couldn’t afford items. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Art of Play stated the bird is not for sale. (variety.com)
Where accounts differ
- Duration of Clarkson’s visit: exactly four minutes, 50 seconds (hollywoodreporter.com); footage shows a brief visit but does not specify exact length (variety.com)
Timeline
- 2026-10-11 — Clarkson posted on X accusing Art of Play of snubbing her
- 2026-10-12 — Art of Play issued statement that the bird is permanently attached and not for sale
- 2026-10-14 — Security footage released by Pablo Torre
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com
- [2] variety.com
