Art of Play, a Brooklyn, New York, store criticized by Kelly Clarkson, has issued a direct response to the singer’s claim that she was treated as if she could not afford its merchandise.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Sunday, October 11, the shop explained that Clarkson had visited the store the previous day and asked about purchasing Molly, a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton used in its magic shows. According to the store, the item is permanently attached to the wall and is not for sale.
However, Art of Play also acknowledged why Clarkson’s experience struck a nerve with shoppers who have felt judged while browsing a store.
“The negative experience Kelly described on Twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop,” the statement read.
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Clarkson, 44, first shared her frustration on Saturday, October 10. The singer said she had traveled to Brooklyn to visit the store after seeing items she liked, but claimed an employee treated her as though she could not afford them and offered to find something comparable instead.
The American Idol alum expressed her anger in a post on X, saying the encounter had cost the store a major sale. Her account quickly gained attention online, with many people discussing her comparison to the famous shopping scene in Pretty Woman.
Following the backlash, Art of Play had already shared several positive customer reviews on its Instagram page, which appeared to be indirect responses to the controversy. Its latest statement offered a clearer defense of the business and its approach to customers.
“At Art of Play whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome,” the store said. It added that customers are encouraged to “pick things up and play,” with many spending hours exploring its puzzles, games and toys.
The shop also addressed the scale of the online reaction, describing the experience as surprising for a small local business.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” the statement continued. “It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.”
Despite the criticism, Art of Play thanked supporters and welcomed new visitors who had discovered the shop through the controversy. The owners also said they hoped to clear things up with Clarkson in the future.
To close the statement, the store referenced Clarkson’s hit song Stronger, writing, “As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”
Clarkson has not publicly commented further on the alleged shopping encounter. The singer moved to New York City with her two children in 2023.
