Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn novelty store clash sparks debate on social media use
Kelly Clarkson accused a Brooklyn shop of treating her poorly, leading to a public dispute that was discussed on "The View" and prompted statements from both parties.
Kelly Clarkson posted on X that she felt she was treated as if she could not afford items at Art of Play, a novelty store in Brooklyn, and criticized the staff for being condescending. The store responded on Instagram, saying the item she inquired about – a one-of-a-kind singing bird automaton – was not for sale and that all customers are welcome to browse. It also described the backlash as overwhelming after the celebrity’s post reached millions of followers.
The incident was examined on Monday’s episode of "The View," where panelists debated the appropriateness of taking the matter to social media. > "When you go nuclear and put it on social media, you’re no longer looking for a solution, because each party is defending themselves," said co-host Sara Haines. > "You have to be careful because it’s an uneven wielding of power and you’re hurting working people," added commentator Ana Navarro. Host Sunny Hostin suggested the issue should have been handled privately, while Whoopi Goldberg noted that store employees might have simply had a bad day.
Art of Play issued a follow-up statement saying the automaton, known as Molly, is attached to the shop as a mascot and that a similar piece owned by the creator could be purchased for $15,000. The store said it offered Clarkson an alternative automaton for $2,000, but she left before seeing it. The statement concluded with an invitation to resolve the misunderstanding and expressed goodwill toward the singer.
Clarkson replied to the store’s explanations, reiterating her perception of rude treatment and accusing the staff of dishonesty. The exchange highlighted broader concerns about how public figures use large online platforms to address personal grievances.