US singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson is facing a wave of backlash after calling out a Brooklyn store where she claims staff treated her unfairly.
Clarkson publicly slammed games shop Art of Play after claiming staff treated her like she couldn’t afford a desired item and offered an alternative.
“Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” Clarkson wrote on X.
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“But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in Pretty Woman. For sure, check it out.”
The store has since responded to Clarkson’s claims by explaining the singer tried to purchase Molly, a toy bird that was not for sale.
“A one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton who plays an important role in the magic shows we host here,” the store said in a Instagram post.
“Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.
“However, the negative experience Kelly described on Twitter [now called X] would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.”
The store denied the singer’s claims, insisting everyone is “equally welcome” in their establishment.
“At Art of Play whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome,” the store said.
“We greet everyone who walks in the door with the invitation to ‘pick things up and play’. And they do, many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games and toys.”
Although Clarkson’s fans initially supported her, public sentiment shifted following the store’s response, with many now criticising the singer, who is a coach on The Voice US, for leveraging her fame to target a small business.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” Art of Play said.
“It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.”
The store went on to thank their friends for support and said they would be laying low, while the dust settled.
“Hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’,” the store ended the post, referencing Clarkson’s hit 2011 song Stronger.
