Clarkson and Brooklyn Store Trade Accusations Over October Visit
Clarkson and Art of Play store traded conflicting accounts after an October visit, with security footage released amid escalating social media dispute.
Event / Entertainment
Kelly Clarkson Brooklyn Store Dispute
October 2026 dispute between Kelly Clarkson and Art of Play store in Brooklyn over a mechanical bird automaton, involving conflicting accounts of sale status, social media complaints, security footage release, and harassment allegations.
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2026-10-15 to 2026-10-28 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 15 Oct, 04:07 UTC
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What happened
Security footage from Art of Play released showing the interaction
Security footage from Art of Play was publicly released by podcast host Pablo Torres, showing the silent video of Clarkson's visit to the store on October 10, 2026. The footage shows Clarkson approaching the mechanical bird, speaking with a staff member, and later appearing to express displeasure before exiting. The video contained no audio, making it impossible to verify what was actually said during the exchange.
Clarkson posted complaint about Art of Play on social media
Kelly Clarkson posted on X (formerly Twitter) accusing Art of Play of treating her as though she could not afford merchandise. She compared the experience to the 1990 film 'Pretty Woman,' writing that she was 'looked at as if I couldn't afford it' and staff offered to find her 'something comparable' instead of selling her the item she wanted, a mechanical bird automaton called Molly priced at $15,000.
Art of Play responded to Clarkson's complaint with conflicting statement
Art of Play stated that Molly, the mechanical bird automaton, is permanently attached to the wall and serves as a mascot for the store's magic shows, making it unavailable for purchase. The shop claimed staff had explained this to Clarkson and offered her alternative singing birds for sale, including one by Seattle artist Bliss Kolb for $15,000 and a German clockmaking automaton for approximately $2,000.
Clarkson disputed Art of Play's account in Instagram Stories
Kelly Clarkson rejected Art of Play's explanation in a series of Instagram Stories posts, claiming a price tag for the bird was hanging on the wall when she inquired about purchasing it. She accused the store owner of being both 'rude' and a 'liar,' stating the staff member had condescendingly offered to find her 'something comparable' after she pointed to the price tag.
Art of Play owner Adam Rubin reported harassment following Clarkson's posts
Store owner Adam Rubin reported that Art of Play received threatening phone calls and text messages, online review-bombing, social media harassment, and in-person confrontations at the store following Clarkson's public complaints. Rubin stated that neighbors were doxxed and employees were concerned about their safety, describing the situation as an 'abuse of power' by someone with Clarkson's platform and influence.
Kelly Clarkson visited Art of Play store in Brooklyn on October 10, 2026
Singer Kelly Clarkson visited the Art of Play store in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at approximately 2:49 p.m. She spent approximately 4 minutes and 50 seconds inside the store browsing items and interacting with staff before departing.
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