Art of Play co-owner Adam Rubin has revealed whether or not Kelly Clarkson is still “welcome” in the Brooklyn shop.
Kelly Clarkson is still “welcome” at Art of Play despite her public row with the Brooklyn business.
The 44-year-old singer had accused the curiosity shop of treating her poorly after she inquired about buying a bird automaton – which had a $15,000 price tag – comparing her treatment to Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman.
The store claimed they offered to show her a similar item for $2,000, noting that the $15,000 price was for a “nearly identical” item only available through the artist.
Kelly branded the company “rude” and a “liar”, and a public war of words has escalated.
Despite that, co-owner Adam Rubin has told PEOPLE magazine that she is “welcome anytime”.
This comes adays after Adam, one of Art of Play’s three owners, claimed that Kelly’s fans have bombarded the store with criticism, phone calls and negative reviews.
He told New York magazine’s Curbed: “They’re shouting, they’re screaming. They show up, they shout, ‘You’re racially profiling Kelly Clarkson!’
“This was out on the sidewalk, so neighbours called the police, and when they filmed the neighbours their followers doxxed the neighbours… Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger.”
He also noted Molly the bird now has a heft $15 million price tag.
Before the latest drama, other customers had inquired about Molly the bird.
The store had added a $15,000 price tag to help the artisan creator Bliss Kolb gauge any “serious interest”.
Kelly had originally alleged that staff “looked at” her as if she “couldn’t afford” their products.
On Sunday (11.10.26) Art of Play responded: “We greet everyone who walks in the door with the invitation to ‘pick things up and play.’ And they do, many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games and toys.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store.”
Kelly later responded with her own version of events.
She wrote: “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 dollars so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can.’
“That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. Okay, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.”
Art of Play then shared another statement to “clarify one additional detail”.
They wrote: “We explained that while Molly is permanently attached to the wall and serves as a de facto mascot for our shop, a nearly identical automaton is owned by the creator of the machines, a brilliant artist named Bliss Kolb who lives in Seattle.
“He told us he would be willing to part with Molly’s twin for $15,000. We explained all of this to Kelly Clarkson.”
They claimed they also offered to show Kelly “a different singing bird automaton, made by a traditional clockmaking shop in Germany” which costs around $2,000.
They added: “We’ve reached out to Kelly directly to try and clear the air. We really do wish her the best and hope that someday we can all laugh about this misunderstanding.”
Art of Play reveal Kelly Clarkson ‘policy’ after public row with Brooklyn store
