Kelly Clarkson alleges she was treated poorly at Brooklyn store Art of Play
The singer said staff at Art of Play in Brooklyn looked at her as if she could not afford items, prompting her to criticize the store on social media.
Kelly Clarkson posted on X on Oct. 10 that she felt she was treated dismissively at Art of Play, a Brooklyn shop that sells games, puzzles, toys and magical-theater performances. She said she drove to the store with specific items in mind and was made to feel she could not afford them, adding that the staff suggested she could find comparable items elsewhere. Clarkson compared the encounter to a scene from the film "Pretty Woman" and urged followers to avoid the store if they want to be treated similarly.
The retailer’s website describes its inventory as a "unique collection of magical home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books" and notes a theater featuring close-up magicians. Prior to the incident, online reviews highlighted positive experiences and helpful employees. After Clarkson’s post, the store’s Yelp and Facebook pages saw an influx of comments supporting the singer.
Responses on X were mixed; some users backed Clarkson while others argued that naming the business was unnecessary. Music video director Joseph Kahn replied that Clarkson is "the nicest person I've ever worked with" and suggested that anyone who provokes her on social media should reconsider their actions.
Clarkson, whose daytime talk show concluded in August, recently discussed raising her children in New York City on a podcast, describing the city as a vibrant place for her family.