Celebrity Feuds With Small Businesses Highlight Power Imbalances

Recent public disputes between well-known celebrities and small businesses have ignited discussions about the impact of celebrity status on independent enterprises. These incidents, including Kelly Clarkson's recent clash with a New York curiosity shop and past controversies involving Demi Lovato and Binky Felstead, underscore the power dynamics at play when public figures interact with local businesses.

Kelly Clarkson found herself in a public feud with the Brooklyn boutique Art of Play after alleging mistreatment by a staff member. The singer claimed she was "looked at as if I couldn't afford it" when inquiring about an £11,000 singing bird automaton. Clarkson posted her experience online, drawing millions of views and triggering a debate about celebrities using their platforms to review businesses. She likened the situation to a scene from the film "Pretty Woman," where a character is scorned by a retailer.

The shop, Art of Play, disputed Clarkson's account, stating that the item, nicknamed Molly, was a "one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton" that served as a mascot and was not for sale. They explained that a similar automaton could be acquired for $15,000 and that they had offered Clarkson a different, less expensive singing bird automaton for around $2,000. The dispute escalated with social media users pointing to a price tag visible in a photo of the bird and Clarkson doubling down on her claims, asserting the store was lying. The controversy led to a police presence at the shop due to a disorderly person report.

This is not the first time a celebrity has been involved in a dispute with a small business. In 2021, Demi Lovato faced criticism for a "stupid attack" on a Los Angeles frozen yogurt shop, The Bigg Chill. Lovato expressed being "triggered" by the abundance of sugar-free options, which she felt perpetuated harmful messages about eating disorders. The shop responded that they cater to all customer needs and are not "diet vultures." Lovato accused the staff of being rude and the experience as "triggering and awful," suggesting the store could better label its options to accommodate various dietary needs, including those of individuals with eating disorders.

Earlier in 2023, British reality star Binky Felstead was involved in "cakegate" when her team allegedly requested a free birthday cake from a bakery in exchange for social media promotion. The bakery owner publicly declined, stating that "exposure" could not pay staff or mortgages. A second bakery owner then claimed Felstead had previously received wedding and birthday cakes for free in 2021, with promises of social media promotion that were allegedly not fulfilled. Felstead later stated she was "completely at fault" for the second incident, admitting she hadn't fulfilled her social media obligations, and had arranged payment for the cakes. She acknowledged that while gifting is common in her industry, it doesn't automatically make it fair for small businesses.

Another incident involved British pop singer Leona Lewis and her father in 2020. They were subjected to a racist confrontation by a shop owner in London who allegedly told them they were "not allowed to touch anything" while other customers were free to do so. Lewis described the experience as a targeted racist encounter, leading her to confront the owner.

In 2023, Catherine Tyldesley was also involved in a "cake gate" scandal when party planners acting on her behalf requested free cakes for her 40th birthday celebration. The baker declined the offer, emphasizing that their staff could not be paid with "exposure on Instagram." The planned party was subsequently canceled following the public backlash.