Kelly Clarkson Seen in Security Footage at Brooklyn Store Amid Viral Dispute
Newly released video captures singer's interaction at Art of Play over a disputed mechanical bird.
Security footage has emerged showing Kelly Clarkson's visit to the Brooklyn store Art of Play, the site of a viral dispute over a mechanical singing bird. The video, obtained by journalist Pablo Torre and aired on his podcast "Pablo Torre Finds Out," depicts Clarkson inside the store for approximately five minutes.
During her time in the shop, Clarkson, dressed in a yellow shirt, jeans, a baseball cap, and a backpack, is seen browsing and interacting with an employee about a rare automaton bird known as "Molly." The footage, which lacks audio, shows the two gesturing towards the bird. Their interaction concludes when the employee turns to assist another customer.
Clarkson then places a telescope back on display and proceeds to the exit. Before leaving, she turns back towards the cash register and appears animated, gesturing with her hands as other customers observe. The shopkeeper points towards "Molly," but Clarkson ultimately departs the store and is seen immediately pulling out her phone outside.
Torre noted that Clarkson's attire was similar to that of other patrons, suggesting her clothing was not a factor in any alleged discriminatory treatment. He also confirmed that "Molly" is one of only two such automatons in existence and plays a significant role in the store's magic shows.
The dispute began when Clarkson publicly accused an Art of Play employee of rudeness, likening the experience to Julia Roberts' character in "Pretty Woman." She alleged the employee assumed she could not afford the $15,000 automaton bird and condescendingly offered cheaper alternatives, leading her to call him an "idiot" who missed a "huge sale."
Art of Play has since stated that "Molly" was not for sale and that they offered to show Clarkson a different automaton priced at $2,000, an offer she declined. Clarkson has refuted the store's account, calling it a lie, while the store's co-owner, Adam Rubin, has described Clarkson's actions as an "abuse of power" that led to online harassment against his business. Sources close to Clarkson have characterized her reaction as out of character, emphasizing her typically down-to-earth demeanor.