Kelly Clarkson Lashes Out as Feud With Brooklyn Store Owner Escalates

Kelly Clarkson claimed she was treated like Julia Roberts‘ character in Pretty Woman while visiting a games and home goods store in New York City on Saturday (October 10). Now the war of words has gotten worse with The Voice coach branding the store owner “rude” and a “liar.”

The singer first spoke about her experience on X, writing, “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 continued, “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.”

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. 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 👎

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 10, 2026

The official Art of Play Instagram account later responded to Clarkson’s claims, writing, “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. Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.”

While the store acknowledged that the “negative experience” the American Idol winner described would “resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop,” they added, “At Art of Play whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome. We greet everyone who walks in the door with the invitation to pick things up and play.”

 

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“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.”

They added, “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.'”

Clarkson fired back on her Instagram Stories on Sunday (October 11), sharing her version of events. “Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale,” she wrote. “That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with.”

She continued, “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, 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.”

The Voice coach also shared an image of what appeared to be a price tag on the wall beneath the item in question. “So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it,” she added.

“And by the way, I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things,” Clarkson stated. “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.”