Brooklyn Store Owner Claims Kelly Clarkson's Dispute Has Endangered Business

<p>Kelly Clarkson's public disagreement with a Brooklyn shop has raised concerns for its owner regarding the safety of his business. Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play and a children's author, spoke with Fox News Digital on October 14, 2026, claiming that the singer's actions have put his business at risk following their viral dispute over a $15,000 mechanical singing bird.</p><p>The bird involved in the controversy now has a price tag of $15 million. Rubin expressed fear for the safety of his shop, stating, "Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger." He claimed that the backlash has led to threats against people associated with the business and the exposure of their personal information.</p><p>Rubin noted, "We've got incredible support from our neighbors and fans over the past few days, and all of them have been attacked, threatened, doxed." He accused Clarkson of an "abuse of power," arguing that her celebrity status has intensified the backlash against his small business.</p><p>Rubin emphasized that Clarkson's platform carries a responsibility, stating, "You can't just try to squash somebody like a bug and expect everybody to give you a pass." He expressed frustration that individuals who had never visited his store were joining the backlash against it.</p><p>The mechanical bird that sparked the dispute has undergone a significant price change. A photograph taken by Fox News Digital shows a new sign identifying the bird as a creation of artist Bliss Kolb, with a price of $15 million. The sign describes the bird as "The world's most famous singing bird automata!" The new price is 1,000 times the original $15,000 figure cited in Clarkson's complaint.</p><p>Art of Play previously explained that the original $15,000 figure referred to a nearly identical automaton available from Kolb, while the bird in question is permanently attached to the wall and serves as a fixture in the store's magic performances. Rubin addressed the price change, attributing it to increased attention since Clarkson's visit, describing it as a matter of "supply and demand," while maintaining that the bird is not for sale.</p><p>The dispute began when Clarkson visited the Brooklyn shop and later accused an employee of treating her as if she could not afford its merchandise. She compared her experience to that of Julia Roberts' character in the film "Pretty Woman," stating, "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."</p><p>Clarkson later reiterated her account after Art of Play disputed her version of events, maintaining that she had pointed to a $15,000 price tag and was told the bird was available for purchase, but an employee suggested finding her something comparable.</p><p>Art of Play has maintained that the encounter was a misunderstanding, explaining that the bird is a permanent fixture and that employees had offered Clarkson the opportunity to purchase a similar bird from its creator. The store also mentioned that another singing bird automaton, priced at approximately $2,000, was available.</p><p>Rubin revealed that he had recently undergone a medical procedure and was not supposed to be working, stating, "I'm not even supposed to be here today. I got a cancer removed from my face last week." He expressed concern for the store's safety as the reason for his presence despite recovering from the procedure.</p><p>Rubin described Art of Play as a curiosity shop, built around objects intended to inspire curiosity, including spinning tops, kaleidoscopes, puzzles, games, and playing cards. He stated, "The reason this place exists is to make people feel like a kid again." The business began online before operating a small location in San Diego, with the Brooklyn shop opening approximately two years ago.</p><p>Despite the public dispute, Rubin stated that Clarkson would still be welcome back at the shop, saying, "We messaged her. I don't know if she saw it. I don't know if she cares." Fox News Digital reached out to a representative for Clarkson for comment.</p>