Kelly Clarkson feuds with Brooklyn shop over mechanical bird

Singer Kelly Clarkson is involved in a viral dispute with Art of Play, a novelty shop in Brooklyn, following a visit on October 10. Clarkson alleged on social media that staff treated her condescendingly, comparing the experience to the film ‘Pretty Woman’ after she inquired about a mechanical singing bird named ‘Molly’. She claimed an employee assumed she could not afford the item and suggested a cheaper alternative.

Art of Play co-owner Adam Rubin disputed this account, stating that ‘Molly’ is a unique automaton permanently attached to the wall and is not for sale. The shop clarified that a $15,000 price tag seen by Clarkson referred to a different, similar item. Rubin noted that the ensuing social media backlash from Clarkson’s followers has included death threats and harassment, leaving staff fearing for their safety.

In a dramatic escalation, the shop listed the ‘Molly’ automaton for $15 million, noting it is the ‘world’s most famous singing bird automata’. Rubin stated that if sold, proceeds would be distributed among employees and the artist, Bliss Kolb. Security footage of the encounter was released by journalist Pablo Torre, showing Clarkson browsing the store, though the video contains no audio to confirm the verbal exchange.