Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Kelly Clarkson has spent the weekend trading verbal blows with a curiosity shop in Brooklyn after she claimed they gave her a Pretty Woman-style brush-off when she inquired about the price of a specialty item — an item that the shop says was never for sale in the first place.
The online feud started on Saturday, when the singer posted that she had driven to the New York borough of Brooklyn to “check out this store I thought looked really rad.”
Clarkson said she was planning to buy “a few things,” but “literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it,” writing she was told by a worker that “he could find something comparable for me.”
“But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman,” she concluded, referencing a scene in the 1990 rom-com in which Roberts’ character is treated rudely by a snooty saleswoman in an upscale boutique.
Art of Play sells a mixture of home goods, puzzles, games and toys, and also hosts a small theatre that runs magic shows.
The store responded Sunday, stating that Clarkson had asked about buying “Molly,” a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton” which “is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.”
They noted that Clarkson’s version of events “would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged,” but said that all patrons at Art of Play “are equally welcome.”
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by eight million people who have never visited our store,” the shop wrote on Instagram.
For sale or not?
Clarkson hit back later that day, posting a photo showing a $15,000 US price tag on the wall next to the wooden bird automaton in question.
“So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. […] It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you, my friend, were an exception.”
Kelly Clarkson arrives at the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on June 7, 2024. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/The Associated Press)
Clarkson rarely makes personal posts on social media. Prior to Saturday’s post, her most recent post on X was a promotional post two weeks prior for Season 30 of The Voice, in which Clarkson appears as a coach.
The shop then stated Monday that they had told Clarkson that the artist behind the automaton had a “nearly identical” copy he could sell her for $15,000 US, adding that they also offered to show her a different bird automaton for sale in the shop.
“It costs about $2,000. She did not stick around long enough to see it.”
Several commenters on Art of Play’s initial post backed up Clarkson’s account about the price tag, with makeup artist and influencer Joey Camasta stating the price tag was there when he visited in August.
Other comments defended the shop, suggesting an earlier Sept. 5 post by Art of Play about no-cost experiences available at the shop, which included a photo of Molly, implied the automaton was always an exception — price tag notwithstanding.
The tiff has sparked mixed reactions online, with some criticizing the singer for bringing her fame and fandom down on a small business, and others slamming the shop’s response as unprofessional and noting that regardless of whether the bird was for sale or not, everyone deserves to feel respected when entering a business.
CBC News has reached out to Clarkson’s team and Art of Play for comment.
The bird at the centre
So who is Molly?
The automaton is a bright yellow, wall-mounted wooden bird. When a crank is operated, the bird darts about with surprisingly life-like precision, emitting bird song.
It’s the creation of Seattle-based artist Bliss Kolb, whose website features a number of wooden automatons, including several other birds, as well as butterflies and a dragonfly, ranging in price from $4,000 to $12,000 US.
WATCH | Watch ‘Molly’ in action:
A 2025 Instagram post by 69 Atlantic, which runs the magic shows at Art of Play, notes that Molly sings the opening for each weekend show and says there is a “Do Not Touch” sign nearby, as she is delicate.
“Aside from the controversy, it’s refreshing that this non-computer ‘entertainment’ can inspire joy and fascination … no screen,” one commenter noted on Tuesday.
