PUBLISHED ONOctober 12, 202610:14 AM
Kelly Clarkson has branded a New York storeowner a “liar” as their row continues.
The 44-year-old pop star, who has River, 12, and Remington, 10, with late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, has fired back at Art of Play in Brooklyn as their bitter argument rolled on over the weekend.
The Since U Been Gone hitmaker had originally alleged that staff “looked at” her as if she “couldn’t afford” their producers, comparing the exchange to Pretty Woman.
On Sunday (Oct 11) Art of Play responded: “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. However, the negative experience Kelly described on [X] would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.
“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’. And they do, many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games and toys.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by eight 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.”
Kelly has since responded with her own version of events.
She wrote: “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 saying in a condescending tone, ‘Yes, it’s for sale but it costs US$15,000 (S$19,000) 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. Okay, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.
“And by the way, I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things.
“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.
“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.”
Kelly reposted an image showing a US$15,000 price tag next to the item in question.
A Hollywood Reporter reader has since emailed the outlet and pointed out how the store has referred to that specific item as its own mascot for a while, with other posts saying it’s not for sale.
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