Brooklyn toy store says mechanical bird was not for sale after Kelly Clarkson complaint

A novelty toy and games store in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighbourhood has become the focus of a social-media dispute after Grammy-winning singer Kelly Clarkson posted that staff would not let her buy a $15,000 mechanical bird displayed on the wall. Clarkson said she was treated as if she could not afford the item, likening the experience to a scene from the film Pretty Woman.

Art of Play responded that the wooden bird, named Molly, is permanently mounted and not available for purchase. The store said an employee offered Clarkson an identical bird for $15,000 and suggested an alternative singing bird from a German clock-making shop priced at $2,000.

"Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by eight million people who have never visited our store," the shop said in a statement, adding that the attention had been "surreal."

Clarkson defended her comments, stating she rarely criticises others but made an exception in this case. The store’s owner told CBS News that staff had received threats and harassment following the incident, and a video posted online showed Clarkson browsing the store and speaking with an employee about the bird.

When reporters visited the shop, they found more media personnel than customers. A shopkeeper declined further comment, saying the business wanted to return to normal operations. The bird remains on display, now accompanied by a price tag indicating $15 million.