A high-profile shopping dispute between singer Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn curiosity store Art of Play has drawn widespread online attention, centering on a mechanical singing bird automaton named Molly. The controversy erupted after Clarkson visited the storefront at 69 Atlantic Ave. and publicly accused an employee of treating her with condescension, comparing the interaction to a classic scene from the film Pretty Woman.
The disagreement quickly escalated across social media platforms, drawing millions of views and conflicting accounts from both the Grammy-winning artist and the local business. While Clarkson maintained that she was quoted a $15,000 price tag for an item that was supposedly for sale, the store issued multiple clarifications stating that the display bird was a permanent fixture and not available for purchase.
The Incident at Art of Play in Brooklyn Heights
The feud began on October 10, when Kelly Clarkson took to X to share her frustration following a five-minute visit to the Brooklyn Heights specialty store. The shop is well-known for offering puzzles, games, toys, books, and home goods, alongside a 26-seat theater that hosts close-up magic performances.
According to Clarkson, she had driven to the establishment intending to purchase several items. Instead, she claimed she was looked at “as if I couldn’t afford it” and told that an employee could find something comparable for her. Writing to her followers, the “American Idol” alum dubbed the employee an “idiot” and stated that the shop had just lost a substantial sale.
Clarkson explicitly compared the experience to the iconic 1990 movie Pretty Woman, in which Julia Roberts’ character, Vivian Ward, is dismissed by high-end boutique staff who assume she lacks the financial means to shop there.
Art of Play Responds: The Truth About Molly the Bird
Responding to the initial wave of social media backlash from Clarkson’s fans, Art of Play released a statement on Instagram explaining that the item in question was “Molly,” a mechanical puppet that mimics a living bird. Operated by a hand crank, Molly sings, dances, and moves back and forth, serving as the shop’s beloved mascot and an opening act for its weekend magic shows.
The store clarified that Molly is permanently attached to the wall and is strictly not for sale. While acknowledging that anyone who has ever felt judged in a retail environment would sympathize with Clarkson’s initial reaction, the business expressed surprise at facing sudden outrage from millions of internet users who had never visited the physical location.
Clarkson countered the store’s narrative on October 11, posting that she had pointed directly to a price tag hanging on the wall labeled “Singing Bird.” She alleged that an associate gave her an “elevator-eyed” look and stated in a condescending tone that the item cost $15,000, offering to find a cheaper alternative. “So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it,” Clarkson wrote.
Clarifying the $15,000 Price Tag and Creator Bliss Kolb
In an effort to completely clear the air, Art of Play released a detailed follow-up statement on October 12, breaking down the exact details of the brief interaction:
- The Display Mascot: Molly remains permanently affixed to the store wall and acts as a de facto mascot for the magic shows.
- The $15,000 Valuation: The price tag and figure referred to a nearly identical automaton owned by the machine’s creator, Seattle-based artist Bliss Kolb. According to the store, Kolb informed them that he would be willing to part with Molly’s twin for $15,000.
- Alternative Options Offered: The staff stated they offered to show Clarkson a different singing bird automaton made by a traditional German clockmaking shop, priced at approximately $2,000, which she could have purchased and taken home that day.
- Early Departure: The store noted that Clarkson did not stick around long enough to view the alternative German-made bird.
Art of Play confirmed that they reached out to the talk show host directly to resolve the misunderstanding amicably, expressing hope that both parties could eventually laugh about the viral incident. Representatives for Kelly Clarkson did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the store’s subsequent clarifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the dispute between Kelly Clarkson and Art of Play?
The dispute began after Kelly Clarkson visited the Brooklyn store Art of Play and felt dismissed by an employee when inquiring about a mechanical singing bird. She accused the staff of acting as though she could not afford the merchandise.
What is Molly the bird?
Molly is a delicate mechanical singing bird automaton that serves as the mascot for Art of Play and is used as an opening act during the store’s weekend magic shows. She is permanently attached to the wall.
Why was a $15,000 price mentioned?
Art of Play explained that the $15,000 price referenced a nearly identical automaton owned by Seattle-based artist Bliss Kolb, who created the machines, rather than the wall-mounted shop mascot itself.
Did Art of Play offer any other items for sale?
Yes, the store stated they offered to show Clarkson a different singing bird automaton crafted by a traditional German clockmaking shop for $2,000, but she left before viewing it.
How did Kelly Clarkson react to the store’s explanation?
Clarkson disputed the store’s initial claim that the bird was never for sale, maintaining that an employee pointed to the price tag and quoted the $15,000 figure in a condescending manner, leading her to call the business owners “liars.”
