Kelly Clarkson is refusing to “Breakaway” from her dispute with a Brooklyn store over an alleged Pretty Woman-esque moment.
“Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with,” the singer, 44, began via X on Sunday, October 11, after New York City’s Art of Play boutique responded to the singer’s weekend claims via Instagram. “So the whole conversation we had when I asked you if it was for sale, whilst pointing to the price tag hanging on the wall with the title “Singing Bird,” didn’t happen as you elevator eyed me, saying in a condescending tone, ‘Yes, it’s for sale but it costs $15,000 so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can.’”
Clarkson, whose original Instagram recollection of the encounter included her comparing the alleged incident to Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman iconic character Vivian’s notorious “Big mistake” scene in the 1990 film, continued sarcastically, “That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. OK, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.”
The X post included a screenshot of a price listing, seemingly originally sourced by a social media user, of $15,000 for a “Singing Bird.”
The “Since U Been Gone” hitmaker then discussed how she’s an advocate for small businesses in general, despite the recent dispute.
“I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things,” she wrote. “I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them, but you don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business. It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you, my friend, were an exception.”
Clarkson concluded, “Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t.”
The former talk show host sparked headlines on Saturday, October 10, after revealing she had visited the store in the hope of purchasing some of its home goods.
“Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad,” she originally wrote via X. “[I] 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. Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.”
The store appeared to initially respond subtly, sharing multiple positive reviews of its staff. One day later, it directly responded to Clarkson’s claim via its Instagram account.
“At Art of Play whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome,” the statement read. “Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store. It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity. Thanks to all our friends for their support and welcome to all the curious folks who have discovered us amidst the drama.”
Referencing Clarkson’s hit track “Stronger,” the post then concluded, “We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”
