Store Addresses Kelly Clarkson's Claims of Discrimination

<figure><img alt="Kelly Clarkson on The Kelly Clarkson Show." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/IVUGIHD65RFEPOJZEP6MS6V77I.jpg?auth=0adadec8996bf88119754a17926f6af0746ad8e19b09ba9be67ceb9efaf6b43c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=2000" /><figcaption>NBC / Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty</figcaption></figure><p>A Brooklyn novelty store has responded to claims made by singer Kelly Clarkson regarding her experience at the store, which she likened to the treatment of the character Vivian in the film <i>Pretty Woman</i>.</p><p>On October 10, 2026, Clarkson posted on X that she visited Art of Play to look for items and felt judged based on her ability to afford them. She stated that a staff member offered to help her find similar items, expressing her frustration with the comment, "Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale." </p><p>The film features a scene where a boutique salesperson refuses to show the main character pricier items, leading her to return and confront the salesperson with bags from other stores, declaring, "Big mistake. Big. Huge." </p><img alt="Kelly Clarkson in Vegas in 2025. / Denise Truscello / Getty Images for Live Nation Las" height="1460" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/5EWGFLS6UZFNNBVSNF5ZJJS67E.jpg?auth=9a1cf6ad04439266c1876519c8feced6e41a870f0f1617e6bda5c3bd7d045460&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2596&amp;height=1460" width="2596" /><p>In response, Art of Play clarified that Clarkson had inquired about a unique singing and dancing bird automaton named "Molly," which is not for sale. The store had previously posted about Molly in an Instagram post titled "Our favorite items not for sale."</p><p>Art of Play stated, "Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale," while acknowledging that Clarkson's negative experience would resonate with anyone who has felt judged in a store. The store also mentioned that it had faced backlash from many individuals who had not visited the store, expressing hope to resolve the situation with Clarkson in the future. They concluded their statement with a quote, "what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger." </p><p>Clarkson later responded on X, asserting that she had pointed to a price tag for the "Singing Bird" and asked if it was for sale. She claimed a staff member looked her up and down before condescendingly stating that it cost $15,000 and offering to find something comparable. She described the staff member's behavior as rude and accused them of dishonesty in her lengthy post.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to representatives for Clarkson for further comment.</p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/store-responds-to-kelly-clarksons-pretty-woman-accusation">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>