Kelly Clarkson’s feud with store explained after they share another statement
Kelly Clarkson is currently engaged in a feud with a Brooklyn store over a mechanical bird worth $15,000.
The pop icon, 44, took to social media to explain the situation that allegedly occurred with staff at Art of Play.
In Clarkson’s version of events, shared on Saturday, 10 October, she criticised store clerks for suggesting she buy something ‘comparable’ for her.
The ‘Since U Been Gone’ singer even likened the experience to a scene in Pretty Woman where something similar happens to Julia Roberts' heroine.
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She claimed she was ‘looked at as if I couldn’t afford it’.
The former daytime talk show host went on: “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale."
She then told her fans to visit the store 'if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman, for sure, check it out.'
The mechanical bird Clarkson was trying to buy
Clarkson was trying to buy a $15,000 mechanical bird called Molly, invented by Bliss Kolb.
Art of Play has a theatre behind it which specialises in sleight of hand magic, in which Molly apparently plays a prominent role.
The theatre company, 69 Atlantic, described Molly as 'an automata, an elaborate mechanical puppet that creates the illusion of life'.
They wrote last year: "When you turn her crank, Molly begins to sing and dance and move to and fro, just like a real bird. The illusion is uncanny and we have come to develop a real affection for Molly."
Molly is apparently the 'opening act' for shows at 69 Atlantic and has 'developed a passionate fan base'.
Kolb's website says his design 'has seven movements and sings a simple bird song'.
It adds: "The song is produced by leather bellows that blow air through a brass whistle whose pitch is varied by a plunger operated by its own lever and cam."
You can see it in action below:
Art of Play insisted Molly isn't for sale
Responding to Clarkson, the store insisted Molly was never for sale.
In a statement shared on social media on Sunday (11 October), the business said: “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.”
The store claimed Molly ‘isn’t for sale’ and expressed dismay at 'suddenly being attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store.'
They claimed they told Clarkson Kolb would be willing to part with 'a nearly identical automaton' for $15,000.
They also claimed they offered to sell Clarkson 'a different singing bird automaton, made by a traditional clockmaking shop in Germany, that she could have taken home with her that day' worth $2,000.
They continued: “It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.
"As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’,” referencing Clarkson’s own 2011 hit single.
Kelly Clarkson accused the store of lying
The singer responded to the store by hitting out at the ‘narrative’ the store ‘is gonna go with’.
She further claimed she had a ‘whole conversation’ with the sales clerk at the store when the alleged ‘comparable’ comment was said.
In a lengthy tweet posted on Sunday, Clarkson 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, you’re also a liar. Got it.”
She continued that while she supports small businesses because they are ‘important’, she says it doesn’t give people a ‘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.”
Tyla has contacted Art of Play and representatives for Kelly Clarkson for further comment.
Greg Harris