Singer Kelly Clarkson, a Burlington, Texas native, publicly accused a Brooklyn curiosity shop of treating her as if she could not afford its merchandise during a weekend visit, comparing the experience to the famous snub scene in the film Pretty Woman.
The singer posted Saturday on X that she had driven to Art of Play in Brooklyn Heights, liked the store, and had items in mind to buy, but felt a staffer looked at her dismissively and offered to find something “comparable.” She called the employee an “idiot” who lost a huge sale and urged others to visit if they enjoyed similar treatment.
Art of Play responded Sunday on Instagram that Clarkson had asked about “Molly,” a one-of-a-kind singing-and-dancing bird automaton that serves as the shop’s mascot, is permanently attached to the wall, and is not for sale. The store said a nearly identical piece by the artist was available for $15,000 and that staff also offered a different German-made singing bird for about $2,000. It noted the wave of online criticism that followed Clarkson’s post and said all visitors are welcome whether they buy or simply browse.
Clarkson fired back later Sunday, posting that she had pointed to a $15,000 price tag labeled “Singing Bird,” that the employee confirmed it was for sale in a condescending tone, and that the shop was now lying by claiming it was never available. She shared an image she said showed the price tag and added that she supports small businesses but not poor treatment. The brief back-and-forth quickly went viral, with both sides maintaining their accounts of the short encounter and no independent verification of the exact conversation emerging.
Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with 👍 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.” 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 ✅ And by the way, I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things. 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. It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you my friend were an exception. Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t.
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 11, 2026
Clarkson, a three-time Grammy winner and former American Idol champion who now lives in New York, has not indicated any further steps. Art of Play has said it hopes to clear the air with her at some point.
