Kelly Clarkson has accused a Brooklyn shop owner of lying in a dispute over a $15,000 singing bird sculpture she says she was told was available to buy.
The singer took to social media to challenge Art of Play’s account of their encounter, claiming the owner initially confirmed that the piece was for sale before offering to find her a comparable item.
Clarkson said she had pointed to a price tag beside the sculpture, titled Singing Bird, when she asked about buying it. She alleged that the owner replied: “yes, it’s for sale but it costs 15,000 dollars so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can.”
She rejected the shop’s subsequent claim that the conversation had not happened, writing: “That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. Okay, cool.” Clarkson then accused the owner of being “rude” and “a liar”.
Art of Play has disputed her version of events, saying the singing bird automaton, known as Molly, is fixed to the wall and used in magic shows. The shop says it was never for sale.
Clarkson also defended herself against any suggestion that she does not support small businesses. She said she had been shopping at the store because she intended to buy several items, adding: “You don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business.”
The singer had previously described the experience as resembling the treatment of Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman, claiming an employee tried to steer her towards a cheaper alternative rather than taking her plans seriously.
She ended her latest post with a final criticism of the Brooklyn shop: “Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t.”
