Understand
Brooklyn novelty shop faces backlash after Kelly Clarkson complains over un-for-sale mechanical bird
Overview
Art of Play, a novelty shop in Brooklyn, has experienced a surge of media attention and online backlash after musician Kelly Clarkson complained on social media that she was treated poorly and told a mechanical bird on the wall cost $15,000. The store defended its staff, stating that the bird, named Molly, is permanently attached to the wall and not for sale, and that employees offered her alternative purchasing options. The shop's owner reported facing threats and harassment following the viral incident.
Key points
- Kelly Clarkson criticised Brooklyn novelty shop Art of Play online, comparing her treatment to a scene from the film Pretty Woman.
- Clarkson claimed staff told her a singing and dancing mechanical bird named Molly cost $15,000 and implied she could not afford it.
- Art of Play explained that Molly is permanently attached to the wall, not for sale, and that staff offered her alternative purchasing options during her visit.
- The store reported facing a surreal wave of online outrage, threats, and harassment from social media users following the celebrity's posts.
- Surveillance footage of the visit was released, and the store subsequently placed a tongue-in-cheek $15m price tag next to the bird.