Brooklyn — Kelly Clarkson Toyshop Dispute Escalates as Owners Say Millions of Fans Harassed Them
The owners of Art of Play, a toy and magic shop in Brooklyn, responded Sunday to Kelly Clarkson’s account of being treated disrespectfully by a staff member, disputing key details of the encounter and suggesting the incident may have resulted from a misunderstanding.
Clarkson said in a post on X that a sales associate treated her as though she could not afford to shop at the store and offered to find her something comparable to what she wanted. However, the business said she had expressed interest in purchasing a unique wall-mounted fixture that was never available for sale.
“Yesterday, Kelly Clarkson visited us in Brooklyn and inquired about buying ‘Molly,’ a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton who plays an important role in the magic shows we host here,” the owners wrote in an Instagram statement Sunday. “Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.”
The owners also described the online backlash they faced during the 24 hours following Clarkson’s public criticism, saying their small business had suddenly become the target of millions of people unfamiliar with the shop.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store. It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity,” they said.
The statement ended with a message thanking supporters and welcoming people who had discovered the store amid the controversy. The owners said they hoped to resolve the situation with Clarkson in the future.
“Thanks to all our friends for their support and welcome to all the curious folks who have discovered us amidst the drama,” they wrote. “We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”
The controversy began Saturday when Clarkson shared a post on X criticizing Art of Play, a Brooklyn Heights toy and magic store, after visiting with plans to purchase several items.
“Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me,” she wrote.
Clarkson continued by criticizing the employee and suggesting others visit the shop to experience the same treatment she associated with Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman.
“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.’ For sure, check it out.”
Her post quickly went viral, prompting fans to share the business’s website and social media pages as they rallied behind the singer. One fan encouraged others to respond publicly, linking to the shop’s Facebook page.
Although the owners’ account suggests the disagreement may have centered on the unavailable automaton rather than a refusal to sell an item, they also acknowledged why Clarkson’s experience upset her.
“The negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop,” the owners wrote.
Representatives for Clarkson did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for additional comment.
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