Kelly Clarkson’s bizarre social media feud with New York store explained as she brands them 'liars'

Some new, albeit random, celebrity beef has been going viral, and this time it's been Kelly Clarkson and a store in New York.

Taking to X on Saturday (October 10), the singer described her customer experience at Art of Play, a curiosity shop in Brooklyn, where she claimed she was treated like "Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman."

"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. Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale."

Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for SiriusXM

She concluded, "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."

Art of Play release statement in response to Clarkson's claims

Since then Art of Play has taken to Instagram to respond to Clarkson's claims, insisting that that she had inquired about something that was not 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," they wrote in a statement.

They noted that the bird is "permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale," adding, "However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.

The store noted "whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome," where customers are invited to "pick things up and play."

"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."

To finish, the store went on to thank their friends "for their support and welcome to all the curious folks who have discovered us amidst the drama."

"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'," referencing Clarkson's 2011 hit song 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)'.

Clarkson hits back at Art of Play's response

After Art of Play's statement, Clarkson doubled down on her experience as she once again took to X to share more details, accusing the store of being "rude" and a "liar".

"Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with so the whole conversation we had when I asked you if it was for sale whilst pointing to the price tag hanging on the wall with the title Singing Bird didn’t happen as you elevator eyed me saying in a condescending tone 'yes, it’s for sale but it costs 15,000 dollars so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can.' That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. Okay, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it ," she wrote.

On the topic of small business, she continued, "And by the way, I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things. I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them, but you don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business. It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you my friend were an exception. Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t."

Indy100 has reached out to Kelly Clarkson's representatives and Art of Play for comment.

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