A Brooklyn specialty store is facing even more backlash from social media users after issuing a statement about its recent encounter with singer Kelly Clarkson. In an Instagram post, Art of Play, a city store that sells playing cards, puzzles, and books, clapped back at Clarkson after the “Since U Been Gone” performer claimed a store employee treated her unfairly. However, their response did little to clear the air. In fact, netizens rushed to the comments to share even more critical statements, saying they didn’t believe it took true accountability.
What Happened With Kelly Clarkson At A Brooklyn Specialty Store?
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. But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in Pretty Woman. For sure, check it out 👎
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 10, 2026
According to a previous report from The Blast, Clarkson traveled to Brooklyn to visit Art of Play. In an X post, she said the store “looked really rad” and that she was interested in buying a “few things”.
Clarkson didn’t share what she was interested in buying at the time, but said that an employee looked at her “as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me.”
In her original post, Clarkson implied she was disappointed by the employee’s alleged mistreatment, calling them an “idiot” who lost “a huge sale.”
The Specialty Store Responds To Kelly Clarkson After Getting Slammed With Negative Reviews
Clarkson’s post drew attention from millions, leading to a flood of negative reviews on the company’s Google and Instagram pages.
A day later, Art of Play addressed the situation with a lengthy statement and shared their version of events. In their post, the store claimed Clarkson inquired about buying a piece named “Molly.”
According to the store, it’s a “one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton” that plays “an important role in the magic shows” the store hosts.
Was Clarkson Actually Able To Buy The Singing Bird?
The statement went on to say that Molly, which is permanently attached to the wall, is not for sale. Despite that, the store said Clarkson’s “negative experience would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.”
Art of Play ended the post by thanking friends for supporting the business during this difficult time. “We’re going to keep our heads down, and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”
Kelly Clarkson Doesn’t Accept The Store’s Statement, Doubles Down On What She Said
Clarkson wasted no time clapping back at Art of Play in a second post, which has now been seen by over six million people, and blasted them for attempting to spin the “narrative.”
She added, “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.’”
Clarkson continued, “Okay, cool. So, you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.”
Brooklyn Store Gets Hit With Even More Criticism After Post
Netizens quickly responded to Art of Play, calling them out for releasing what some described as “a terrible statement.”
“Girl, stop lying, that bird you’re saying actually has a tag and we saw some photos of it with the price already,” someone else wrote.
Joey Camasta also commented, “I was literally there in August and saw Molly, there was a price tag on it. It most definitely was for sale.”
A Brooklyn local also chimed in and seemed to validate Clarkson’s experience by sharing their own. “I live nearby. You have such a greatly curated shop but the several times I’ve been in I’m met with rude or obnoxious behavior by your staff to us or to other customers. So I leave without buying and return hoping the next time will be different. And several friends have had the same experience,” they wrote.
