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2 clusters · 7 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Kelly Clarkson and Art of Play dispute

Overview

A public dispute emerged between singer Kelly Clarkson and the Brooklyn-based specialty store Art of Play following Clarkson’s visit to the shop in October. The conflict, referred to as ‘Birdgate’, began when Clarkson accused an employee of being ‘rude’ and ‘a liar’ after she was unable to purchase a mechanical bird named Molly. Clarkson alleged she received the ‘Pretty Woman treatment’, implying she was treated as if she could not afford the item.

Art of Play co-owner Adam Rubin described the incident as an ‘insane misunderstanding’, clarifying that the specific bird was a permanent mascot rather than a retail item, though the store offered to connect her with the artist for a similar piece. While Clarkson shared a photo of a $15,000 price tag to support her claims, the store maintains the mascot was not for sale.

The dispute escalated on social media, leading to a Change.org petition calling for NBC to remove Clarkson from ‘The Voice’. Store ownership reported that the backlash resulted in employees receiving hateful messages, death threats, and doxxing, stating the situation has ‘put us in danger’.

Entities

Art of Play · Kelly Clarkson · Adam Rubin · The Voice · Bliss Kolb

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn shop Art of Play in dispute

    Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn shop Art of Play are clashing over a disputed purchase of a mechanical bird, with the store owner claiming Clarkson’s social media posts have led to threats against staff.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Kelly Clarkson faces petition to be removed from ‘The Voice’

    A petition is calling for Kelly Clarkson’s removal from ‘The Voice’ following a dispute with a Brooklyn shop that resulted in reported death threats and harassment toward store employees.

Sources

cheatsheet.com · complex.com · ibtimes.co.uk · jornalinside.com · medcom.id · omahadailyrecord.com · thatparkplace.com