Kelly Clarkson's Brooklyn mechanical bird dispute sparks PR analysis
Fox News reported on October 17 that a public dispute between singer Kelly Clarkson and the Brooklyn novelty shop Art of Play over a $15,000 mechanical bird attracted commentary from crisis-management consultants about how the argument could affect the singer’s reputation. The controversy began on October 10 when Clarkson posted on X that staff at Art of Play treated her as if she could not afford the automaton. The store responded that the bird was permanently attached to a wall and not for sale, later offering alternative items.
USA Today reported that Art of Play subsequently raised the bird’s price to $15 million. Security footage released later showed Clarkson’s brief five-minute visit to the shop. The co-owner said the episode prompted online threats but also increased foot traffic, and the store said it had repeatedly tried to contact the singer.
