NYC Store Art of Play Responds to Kelly Clarkson's Claim

Paige Catton Sun, October 11, 2026 at 10:50 PM UTC

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Originally appeared on E! Online

A popular specialty store in New York City isn’t playing around about being called out.

Indeed, after Kelly Clarkson shared she had an unpleasant experience at Art of Play, the Brooklyn store addressed the singer’s remarks, claiming she tried to purchase an item that wasn’t 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,” Art of Play wrote on Instagram Oct. 11. “Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.”

Acknowledging Clarkson’s X post from the day prior, in which the American Idol alum compared how she was treated in the store to Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman, Art of Play wrote, “However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.”

That said, according to the establishment—which sells home goods, puzzles, games, toys and more—all its customers are “equally welcome,” even if they choose not to make a purchase.

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As Art of Play put it, “We greet everyone who walks in the door with the invitation to ‘pick things up and play.”

Because of this, the store found the backlash it received from Clarkson’s post to be out of left field.

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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,” Art of Play continued. “It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.”

Indeed, the store received backlash after it was name-dropped by the “Since You Been Gone” singer online.

“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,” Clarkson wrote on X Oct. 10, “and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me.”

Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

“Wow, dude,” she continued. “You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.”

Clarkson ended her message by telling her followers to “check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in Pretty Woman.”

And while Art of Play thanked supporters and new customers who “discovered us amidst the drama” in its statement, the store also expressed hope to potentially mend fences with Clarkson in the future.

“We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday,” the store wrote. “As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”

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