Kelly Clarkson’s visit to Brooklyn’s Art of Play sparks online controversy

Singer Kelly Clarkson spent less than five minutes at Art of Play, a Brooklyn-based curiosity shop, on Oct. 10. During the visit she asked a sales associate whether she could purchase Molly, the store’s mechanical bird mascot. Staff explained that the bird was not for sale but that a custom replica could be commissioned from artist Bliss Kolb for about $15,000.

Clarkson later posted on X that she felt she was treated as if she could not afford the item and that the staff suggested a comparable alternative. She wrote: "literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me. Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale. But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman."

The exchange generated a wave of online commentary, with some supporters of the singer directing personal attacks toward the store’s owners. In response, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union issued a statement condemning the harassment and defending the shop.

Art of Play subsequently posted an ironic price tag of $15 million on the bird, noting that the figure reflects the store’s practice of using irony in its pricing. Clarkson is currently performing a residency at a hotel in Las Vegas.