Kelly Clarkson, Brooklyn shop dispute claims over $15,000 mechanical bird

The Big Picture

A dispute between Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn curiosity shop Art of Play has drawn national attention after the singer said she was treated as though she could not afford an item in the store. Art of Play has denied that account, describing the episode as a misunderstanding over Molly, a singing and dancing mechanical bird automaton mounted on the shop wall.

The disagreement has produced competing social media statements, footage without audio, and a surge of attention for the small business. Art of Play co-owner Adam Rubin has said the store, employees and people connected to it received threats, hostile messages and negative reviews after Clarkson named the business online. Those claims have been reported by multiple outlets but were not independently verified in the available coverage.

What Happened

Clarkson criticized Art of Play in an Oct. 10 post on X after visiting the Brooklyn store. She wrote that she had driven there because it looked “really rad” and that she had intended to buy several things, but felt she was looked at as if she could not afford what she wanted.

Clarkson said an employee offered to find “something comparable” and responded, “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.” She compared the experience to the scene in the 1990 film Pretty Woman in which Julia Roberts’ character is dismissed by sales staff, and named Art of Play in the post.

Art of Play later said the item Clarkson asked about was Molly, a one-of-a-kind bird automaton used in the store's magic shows. The shop initially said Molly was permanently attached to the wall and not for sale. It also said all visitors are welcome whether they make a purchase or simply browse.

What Each Side Is Saying

Clarkson challenged the store's explanation in a follow-up post, saying she had pointed to a price tag labeled “Singing Bird.” She said an employee told her in a condescending tone that it cost $15,000 and offered to find her something comparable. Clarkson accused the store of lying and said that supporting small businesses does not give them a “free pass” to treat customers poorly.

Art of Play subsequently clarified that Molly itself was not for sale, but said a nearly identical bird made by Seattle artist Bliss Kolb could be obtained for $15,000. The store also said it offered to show Clarkson another singing bird, made by a German clockmaking shop, for about $2,000. According to the shop, Clarkson did not remain long enough to see that alternative.

The accounts remain in dispute. Clarkson says she was told the bird on display was for sale for $15,000, while Art of Play says staff explained that Molly was a permanent display piece and discussed other available options.

What the Footage Shows

Journalist and podcaster Pablo Torre released surveillance footage of the visit on Oct. 13. The video shows a woman identified as Clarkson browsing in the busy store, speaking briefly with an employee near Molly, returning items to the shelves and then having an animated exchange with another employee near the exit before leaving.

The footage shows the visit lasted under five minutes, consistent with Art of Play's statement. But it contains no audio and cannot independently establish whether the employee made the remarks Clarkson described or whether the store fully explained its account of the bird's availability.

What Happens Next

Rubin said Art of Play had tried to contact Clarkson directly to clear the air. A source cited by Page Six on Oct. 16 said the store had reached out through multiple channels but had not heard back. Clarkson has not publicly addressed the store's follow-up explanation in the available reports.

Meanwhile, Art of Play raised Molly's listed price from $15,000 to $15 million. Rubin described the increase as being “due to popular demand.” Clarkson performed at a private corporate event in Las Vegas on Oct. 14 and did not address the dispute, according to concert footage cited by Page Six and E! News.