Brooklyn Shop Fires Back at Kelly Clarkson's 'Pretty Woman' Claim: Singing Bird 'Isn't for Sale'

A Brooklyn novelty store has broken its silence over Kelly Clarkson's viral claim that she was treated like Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman, insisting that the $15,000 singing bird automaton at the center of the dispute is not, and never was, for sale.

Art of Play addressed the controversy in a series of social media posts after Clarkson's weekend complaint about her experience at the shop exploded online, sparking a fierce debate in which fans split between backing the singer and defending the small business.

Store Says Bird Was a One-of-a-Kind Mascot

In its statement, the store explained that the item Clarkson inquired about is a fixture of the shop rather than merchandise. "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," the store wrote.

Art of Play also acknowledged the sting of Clarkson's account, saying her frustration would strike a chord with many shoppers. "However, the negative experience Kelly described on Twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop," the post continued.

The store said it was blindsided by the scale of the reaction, writing, "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."

Alternative Offer 'Did Not Stick Around'

According to Art of Play, staff tried to steer Clarkson toward a purchase she could actually take home. In a second post, the store said it offered the singer a replica of 'Molly' crafted by the original designer.

It added: "We also offered to show her a different singing bird automaton, made by a traditional clockmaking shop in Germany, that she could have taken home with her that day. It costs about $2,000. She did not stick around long enough to see it."

Clarkson: 'You're Not Only Rude, but You're Also a Liar'

Clarkson hit back at the store's version of events in a pointed post of her own, disputing the idea that the bird was never up for purchase.

"Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn't for sale. That's the narrative Art of Play is going to go with," she wrote. "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, but you're also a liar. Got it."

She said she attached a photo of the price tag mounted on the wall beside the automaton to support her account. Clarkson added that she does respect and cherish small businesses and understands how important they are, but insisted that does not excuse poor treatment.

"You don't get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business," she wrote. "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."

How the Feud Began

The dispute traces back to Clarkson's original post on X, in which she described making a special trip to the Brooklyn shop and coming away feeling dismissed.

"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," she wrote, before sarcastically urging followers to visit "Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts's character in Pretty Woman."

Both sides have since published photographs of the price tag tied to the item, with the shop maintaining that the automaton serves as the store's unofficial mascot and is bolted to the wall. The clash has divided social media, with some users rallying behind the singer and others coming to the defense of the small Brooklyn business at the center of the storm.