The Brooklyn store that Kelly Clarkson accused of giving her the Pretty Woman treatment has offered its version of events, claiming the singer wanted to buy an item that was never available for purchase. Clarkson, however, isn’t convinced by the explanation and has accused the business of lying about the incident.
On Sunday (Oct. 11), Art of Play released a statement on Instagram responding to Clarkson’s viral complaint about her experience at the store. According to the business, the item at the center of the dispute was a one-of-a-kind mechanical bird named Molly, which is permanently attached to a wall.
“Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale,” the store explained. “However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.”
Clarkson wasted no time responding to the store’s statement on X, challenging its claim that the mechanical bird had never been available for purchase. The singer alleged that an employee quoted her a price of $15,000 before offering to find a similar item.
“Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with,” Clarkson wrote.
She continued, “So the whole conversation we had when I asked you if it was for sale whilst pointing to the price tag hanging on the wall with the title Singing Bird didn’t happen as you elevator eyed me saying in a condescending tone ‘yes, it’s for sale but it costs 15,000 dollars so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can.'”
Clarkson wasn’t done there, adding, “That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. Okay, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.”
The singer also posted an image that appeared to show a $15,000 price tag for the mechanical bird, further disputing the store’s explanation.
The dispute began after Clarkson took to X on Saturday (Oct. 10) to accuse the Brooklyn business of making assumptions about her ability to afford its products.
“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.
She continued, “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale. But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman. For sure, check it out.”
Clarkson’s reference to the 1990 film alluded to the iconic scene in which employees at a luxury boutique dismiss Julia Roberts’ character because of her appearance.
Art of Play also addressed the backlash that followed Clarkson sharing her experience with millions of followers in its statement.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” the shop wrote.
Following the controversy, some of Clarkson’s supporters reportedly left negative reviews on the business’s Yelp and Facebook pages.
Art of Play initially declined to comment when approached by media outlets on Saturday. The store later posted a positive customer testimonial praising its employees, but subsequently deleted it. Since then, social media users have been divided, with some siding with Clarkson and others questioning whether her public criticism was fair to a small business.
Clarkson also rejected the suggestion that Art of Play’s status as a small business should shield it from criticism.
“And by the way, I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things,” she wrote. “I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them, but you don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business.”
She added, “It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you my friend were an exception.”
Meanwhile, the store concluded its statement with a nod to one of Clarkson’s biggest hits.
“As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.'”
Clarkson wrapped up her response with a message that made it clear she still appreciates the store’s concept, despite her disappointing experience.
“Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t.”
