Art of Play clarifies Kelly Clarkson visit after social media dispute
The Brooklyn store Art of Play said the singer spent five minutes there, was offered alternative items and has reached out to resolve the disagreement sparked by her social-media post.
Art of Play, a Brooklyn-based shop that sells games, puzzles and hosts magic shows, issued a follow-up statement on Instagram after singer Kelly Clarkson claimed she was treated like the character in Pretty Woman during a recent visit. The store said Clarkson spent about five minutes in its Curiosity Shop, asked about a mechanical bird puppet named Molly, and was told the bird is permanently attached to the wall and not for sale. The shop added that a near-identical automaton is owned by its creator, artist Bliss Kolb, who might sell a twin for $15,000, and that it offered Clarkson a different German-made singing bird automaton priced at roughly $2,000, which she did not stay to view.
“We’ve reached out to Kelly directly to try and clear the air. We really do wish her the best and hope that someday we can all laugh about this misunderstanding,” the store wrote.
Clarkson had posted on social media that she drove to Brooklyn to shop, felt she was judged and was told a comparable item would cost $15,000. She later responded to the store’s account, accusing it of lying about the conversation and of condescending behavior.
“You’re not only rude, you’re also a liar,” Clarkson wrote, adding that she supports small businesses but expects respectful treatment.
Art of Play’s earlier response noted that Molly is a one-of-a-kind automaton attached to the wall and not for sale, and expressed surprise at the widespread attention the incident received. The store thanked supporters and said it would keep a low profile while seeking to resolve the matter with Clarkson.