Kelly Clarkson in Novelty Shop Mechanical Bird Row

Pop star Kelly Clarkson sparked a fierce public dispute with novelty store Art of Play after accusing staff of dismissing her in Brooklyn, New York.

Posting on X, Clarkson claimed she “was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it” and told followers to visit “if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in ‘Pretty Woman’”.

The clash centred on “Molly”, a mechanical bird. Clarkson insisted the item had a $15 000 price tag and accused the business of lying when they claimed it was unavailable. Store owners defended their staff, explaining the sculpture is permanently attached to the wall as a mascot.

They noted an employee offered to source a duplicate from its creator or sell a $2 000 German alternative, but Clarkson left within five minutes.

The viral backlash led to press swarms, online hostility, and threats. Co-owner Adam Rubin asked: “I don’t understand why these people are willing to debase themselves on behalf of a celebrity they never met.”

Conversely, shopgoer Emily Trantanella remarked: “I feel like a pretty woman and I’ve always been treated very well here.”

Art of Play has since placed a satirical $15-million tag on Molly, calling it the “world’s most famous singing bird automata!”

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