Kelly Clarkson has challenged a Brooklyn store’s explanation of their disputed shopping encounter, accusing Art of Play of misrepresenting a conversation about a $15,000 mechanical singing bird.
The singer criticised the New York shop after claiming an employee treated her as though she could not afford an item she wanted to purchase.
The store subsequently issued a statement on Instagram explaining that the bird, named Molly, was permanently attached to the wall and not for sale.
Clarkson disputed that account on X on Sunday, October 11. She recalled asking about a price tag displayed beside the singing bird and alleged that an employee told her it cost $15,000 before offering to find something comparable at a lower price.
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… pic.twitter.com/9PEhUWnIOt
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 11, 2026
“So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it,” Clarkson wrote in response to the store’s explanation.
The American Idol winner also defended her support for independent businesses, arguing that small retailers should not be excused for treating customers disrespectfully.
“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,” she wrote.
Art of Play later offered further context, claiming the conversation lasted around five minutes.
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The shop said Molly was a store mascot, while its creator, Seattle-based artist Bliss Kolb, owned a nearly identical automaton that could be purchased for $15,000.
The store also claimed it offered Clarkson another singing bird, manufactured by a German clockmaking business, for approximately $2,000. According to the shop, Clarkson left before pursuing that alternative.
