Brooklyn Store Owner Disputes Kelly Clarkson's Account of Mechanical Bird Encounter

The owner of a Brooklyn shop embroiled in a dispute with singer Kelly Clarkson over a mechanical bird has contested Clarkson's account of the interaction, stating it was "ludicrous" and inaccurately portrayed the events that led to his business facing online harassment.

Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play, told Page Six that Clarkson's claim that she was "told no" and felt she was treated like the character in "Pretty Woman" is not entirely accurate. Rubin stated that Clarkson visited the store for less than five minutes and inquired about a mechanical bird, referred to as "Molly," displayed on the wall. He explained that the automaton, priced at $15,000, is a complex, custom-made item that isn't typically sold off the wall. "She asked about the bird. It’s on the wall, and attached permanently. It was explained to her that it’s a complicated situation to get these things made," Rubin said.

Rubin likened the situation to inquiring about a showroom piece in a furniture store. "You don’t expect to take it out the door with you when you leave, do you? But there’s a price tag on it. So then you have a conversation with the person that works at the store about how can I get something like that in my house? That conversation did not go the way that she wanted it to go, and she felt disrespected," he explained. Rubin added that his employee did not recognize Clarkson, as the store often has celebrity visitors, and they treat all customers the same. He also mentioned that another automaton, priced at $2,000, was offered to her.

Clarkson had previously shared her experience on social media, claiming an employee assumed she could not afford the bird and suggested a less expensive item. She also alleged the store was lying when they later stated the bird was not for sale.

Rubin described the aftermath of Clarkson's social media posts as a torrent of online abuse. "Fifteen minutes later, the entire weight of the internet came crashing down upon us, and we were caught completely unprepared. We started getting flooded with hateful phone calls and threats and text messages. They are doxing our neighbors. Like, this is crazy," he stated. Rubin criticized Clarkson's actions, calling it an "abuse of power" that led to the harassment of his small business.

Following the viral incident, the price of the mechanical bird has reportedly increased significantly. Rubin noted that "Molly" has become the most famous automaton of its kind, and its price has been raised from $15,000 to $15 million. He added that if someone with that amount were to come into the shop, they could purchase it.

Leaked security footage released later showed Clarkson viewing the bird and speaking with a staff member before leaving the store. Clarkson's representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.