Kelly Clarkson faces petition to be removed from ‘The Voice’

A Change.org petition has been launched calling for NBC to remove Kelly Clarkson from the singing competition ‘The Voice’. The campaign seeks to bar her from upcoming live shows and future seasons, citing a need for professionalism and respect.

The controversy, dubbed ‘Birdgate’, stems from a dispute between Clarkson and the Brooklyn-based shop Art of Play. Following a visit to the store on October 10, Clarkson posted about her experience involving a mechanical bird named Molly, alleging she received the ‘Pretty Woman treatment’ and was treated as if she could not afford the item. She subsequently described an employee as ‘rude’ and ‘a liar’.

Art of Play co-owner Adam Rubin stated that the backlash following Clarkson’s posts led to employees receiving hateful messages, angry calls, and death threats. Rubin expressed concerns for the safety of shopkeepers, noting that neighbors were doxxed and some individuals entered the store accusing staff of racial profiling. NBC has not yet commented on the petition.