Kelly Clarkson is refusing to back down in her public dispute with a Brooklyn novelty store, accusing its owner of lying about an encounter in which she says she was treated as though she could not afford a $15,000 mechanical singing bird.

The singer reignited the controversy on October 11 after Art of Play disputed her account of a shopping trip to the store. While the business maintained that the unusual bird sculpture was never for sale, Clarkson insisted that an employee had quoted her a price and offered to find her a cheaper alternative.

“Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with,” Clarkson wrote on X, sarcastically rejecting the store’s explanation.

According to the American Idol winner, she had pointed to a price tag on the wall labeled “Singing Bird” and asked whether the item was available for purchase. She claimed the employee looked her up and down before telling her that it cost $15,000 and offering to find something comparable.

Clarkson said the exchange left her feeling judged based on her appearance and financial circumstances. She subsequently accused the employee of being both rude and dishonest, arguing that the store’s later explanation contradicted what she remembered hearing during her visit.

The dispute began on October 10, when Clarkson revealed that she had driven to Brooklyn specifically to visit Art of Play. She said she had several items in mind to purchase but was disappointed by the treatment she allegedly received.

“Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” she wrote in her initial post, criticizing the interaction.

Clarkson also compared the experience to Pretty Woman, the 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts. In the film, Roberts plays Vivian, who is dismissed by sales staff while shopping before returning to confront them. Clarkson sarcastically encouraged her followers to visit Art of Play if they wanted to experience similar treatment.

Art of Play responded by offering a different version of events. The store explained that Clarkson had asked about “Molly,” a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton used in the magic shows hosted at the business. According to the owners, the mechanical bird is permanently attached to the wall and is not available for purchase.

The business also emphasized that its customers are welcome whether they intend to buy something or simply browse. However, Clarkson remained unconvinced by the explanation, insisting that the conversation she described had taken place.

In her latest response, the singer was careful to distinguish her criticism of the alleged treatment from her views on independent businesses. She said she supports small businesses and had visited the shop precisely because she wanted to make purchases.

“I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them,” Clarkson wrote, adding that being a small business does not excuse treating customers poorly.

She also explained why she had chosen to speak publicly about the encounter, saying she rarely calls people out in this way. Despite her frustration with the store owner, she acknowledged that she liked the shop itself.

“Your store is really cool,” she concluded. “Unfortunately, you aren’t.”

Art of Play, meanwhile, has thanked people who have defended the business and maintained that Molly is not for sale. With both sides standing by their accounts, the disagreement remains unresolved. What began as a disappointing shopping trip has become a public argument over customer service, conflicting recollections and a remarkably expensive singing bird.

Source: Compiled from various sources