Kelly Clarkson has fired back at a New York store after it defended its staff’s poor treatment of her during a weekend visit. In apost on X on Sunday night, the singer-songwriter American pushed back against Art of Play’s claims that an item she was interested in was not for sale. “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,” her post reads. Clarkson alleged that the staff member confirmed that the item was for sale but cost US$15,000 and offered to find something “comparable.” She included a photo in her post that appears to show the item with a price tag next to it. “That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. Okay, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar,” Clarkson continued. On Sunday, Art of Play, a Brooklyn shop selling games, puzzles, toys and curiosities took to Instagram to defend itself against inaugural American Idol winner’s claims that she was mistreated by stating that the item, a one-of-a-kind mechanical bird named “Molly” was not for sale. The bird sings and dances during the store’s magic shows. “Molly is permanently attached to a wall and not for sale,” the Instagram post reads. The store acknowledged that Clarkson’s account of feeling judged in a shop would resonate with others, while insisting all visitors are welcome, whether they buy something or if they simply browse. It added that since Clarkson’s social media post, the store has faced public backlash. “Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” the post reads. “It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.” Art of Play also expressed hope the matter could eventually be resolved. Clarkson hit back at the claim that she put the store under public attack by reiterating that she supports small businesses. “I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things,” her post reads. “You don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business. It’s not that hard to be kind.” She added that she never blasts people, “but you my friend were an exception.” “Your store is really cool,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, you aren’t.” A Pretty Woman remake In her initial post on X post on Saturday, Clarkson likened the staff member’s treatment of her to the way Julia Roberts’ character was treated by a boutique saleswoman in the 1990 classic ‘Pretty Woman’. “You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” Clarkson wrote. “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.” She punctuated her post with a thumbs-down emoji. In the 1990 movie, Roberts’ character is dismissed by a boutique saleswoman who assumes she cannot afford the clothes. She later returns, dressed in expensive clothing, holding shopping bags and addresses the same saleswoman with the now iconic line: “Big mistake. Big. Huge.” Music video director Joseph Kahn, who has worked with Clarkson, defended her character, calling her “the nicest person I’ve ever worked with” and suggesting the store rethink its choices.
