Kelly Clarkson's shopping trip has turned into a public dispute over customer service, a singing mechanical bird and a $15,000 price tag.
The singer, 44, accused the Brooklyn, New York-based store Art of Play of treating her as though she couldn't afford its merchandise, comparing her Oct. 10 visit to a scene from "Pretty Woman." The shop has disputed her account, sparking social media beef in which they say the bird she wanted wasn't for sale, but another version was available through its creator.
The exchange has put the spotlight on Molly, the store's mascot, and Bliss Kolb, the Seattle artist who created the bird at the center of the controversy.
What happened between Kelly Clarkson and Art of Play?
In an Oct. 10 post on X,
Clarkson said she visited the store intending to buy several things but was treated in a less than favorable way.
"Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy and literally was looked at as if I couldn't afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me," Clarkson wrote. "Wow, dude. You're an idiot and just lost a huge sale."
She compared the encounter to the scene in the 1990 film "Pretty Woman," in which boutique workers dismiss Julia Roberts' character because they believe she cannot afford the clothes.
After the store responded, Clarkson challenged its account on Oct. 11, saying she had pointed to a "Singing Bird" price tag and been told it cost $15,000.
How did Art of Play respond?
In its Oct. 11 Instagram statement, Art of Play identified the bird as Molly, a mechanical figure used in its magic shows. The shop said Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn't for sale.
"Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn't for sale. However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop," the Brooklyn store said in their statement.
The business said visitors are welcome whether they buy anything or simply browse, while describing the backlash to Clarkson's post as overwhelming.
"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," continued their statement. "Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store."
"During the 5 minutes she spent in the store, she inquired about our mechanical bird puppet named Molly," the store explained in a follow-up statement. The statement also explained how they communicated with Clarkson that an identical version of the bird existed and she could purchase it directly from the artist.
It also said it offered to show Clarkson a different, German-made singing bird costing about $2,000, but she left before seeing it.
"We've reached out to Kelly directly to try and clear the air. We really do wish her the best and hope that someday we can all laugh about this misunderstanding," the store wrote.
Who is Molly? Is the bird real, and why does it cost $15,000?
Molly is a mechanical puppet that imitates a living bird. In a Feb. 25, 2025, post, the shop's 69 Atlantic Instagram account explained that turning a crank makes her sing, dance and move back and forth. The post described her their "beloved shop bird and mascot" and as delicate and expensive, with a "Do Not Touch" sign.
Art of Play says the $15,000 price refers to a nearly identical bird owned by Kolb, who told the shop he would sell it for that amount. The store maintains that Molly herself is not available to buy.
The statements do not explain how the $15,000 price was set.
USA TODAY has reached out to Kolb for a statement.
Who is Bliss Kolb, the artist behind Molly the bird?
Art of Play identifies Kolb as a Seattle artist who makes automata, or mechanical figures. His website features birds, butterflies and dragonflies, among other creations.
His "Singing Bird on Wall" design uses wooden gears and a system of levers and cables to produce movement. Leather bellows push air through a brass whistle to create its song.
In its February 2025 post, the shop said Kolb had flown across the country to repair Molly after she stopped singing.
What does Art of Play sell?
The shop at 69 Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn sells puzzles, games, toys, books and home goods, according to its website.
It also has a 26-seat theater for close-up magic performances. The shop previously described Molly as the opening act for its weekend shows.
Who is Kelly Clarkson, and what is her net worth?
Clarkson won the first season of "American Idol" in 2002 and went on to earn three Grammy Awards, with hits including "Since U Been Gone" and "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)."
Her daytime talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," ended Aug. 31 after seven seasons. She returned as a coach for Season 30 of "The Voice," which premiered in September.
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kelly Clarkson's Art of Play feud, response: What to know about $15K Molly bird
