Sunny Hostin Criticizes Kelly Clarkson's Handling of Brooklyn Store Dispute

Sunny Hostin, co-host of "The View," has criticized Kelly Clarkson's public response to a dispute with a Brooklyn magic store, calling the singer's actions a "tantrum" and highlighting the responsibility that accompanies a large social media following.

Clarkson, 44, became involved in a public disagreement with the store, Art of Play, last week after they reportedly refused to sell her a mechanical bird ornament named Molly. The singer subsequently posted on X (formerly Twitter), comparing her treatment to that of Julia Roberts' character in the film "Pretty Woman," who was ejected from a store.

Art of Play responded by stating the bird was not for sale, and owner Adam Rubin told the Daily Mail that Clarkson's actions had caused chaos and put staff members in danger. He claimed the store received threatening calls, texts, and experienced online harassment.

During an episode of "The View," Hostin stated that "when you have a huge platform," there is a "responsibility" to avoid inciting a "social media mob." She suggested Clarkson exhibited "tantrum-like" behavior, pointing to security footage that showed the singer returning items.

Co-host Raven-Symoné disagreed, arguing that Clarkson did not explicitly tell her followers to attack the store and that the internet "goes crazy when somebody says something." She also noted that Clarkson was "petty" in her public post.

Hostin doubled down, emphasizing the "responsibility" that comes with having "eight million or more followers." She suggested Clarkson should have known that a "social media mob" existed online.

Art of Play stated that Molly the bird plays an important role in their magic shows and is permanently attached to the wall, thus not for sale. The store also noted they would have been happy to direct Clarkson to the ornament's creator if she wished to commission a similar piece.

Clarkson later posted that the store was fabricating a narrative, recalling a conversation where she was allegedly told the $15,000 bird was for sale but that they could find something comparable for her, implying condescension. She accused the store of being "rude" and a "liar."

Rubin reiterated that Molly was not for sale and blamed Clarkson for the ensuing harassment. He described the situation as an "enormous misunderstanding" that Clarkson turned into an "abuse of power" with her social media posts, suggesting her behavior was entitled and "diva-like."