In brief
Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson’s brief visit to Brooklyn’s Art of Play collided with the boutique’s refusal to sell a wall‑mounted mechanical bird, sparking a viral backlash. Clarkson alleged the staff treated her as if she could not afford the $15,000 piece. The store insists the bird is permanently affixed and not for sale, though an employee mentioned an identical bird could be purchased. The episode underscores tensions between celebrity shoppers and niche art retailers and raises questions about customer service and accessibility for pricey collectibles.
A boutique store called Art of Play in Brooklyn has found itself at the centre of a social media storm, after Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson complained that they would not let her buy a singing and dancing mechanical bird that was on the wall.
The Since U Been Gone singer claimed she was “looked at as if I couldn’t afford” the bird – which she said had a price tag of $15,000 (£11,000).
Art of Play has defended how it treated the star, saying the wooden bird is permanently attached to the wall and is not for sale.
It said that during Clarkson’s five‑minute visit on Saturday, an employee suggested to her that she could buy an identical bird for $15,000.
The controversy highlights how even high‑profile customers can encounter obstacles when seeking unique art pieces, prompting questions about accessibility and customer service at boutique galleries.
