Kelly Clarkson‘s public criticism of a Brooklyn store has prompted a response from the business, which is now sharing its side of the story.
The 44-year-old singer called out Art of Play on Saturday (October 10), claiming an employee treated her as though she couldn’t afford something she wanted to buy.
Now, the store has issued a lengthy statement revealing what Kelly was interested in purchasing and explaining why the item wasn’t available.
The business also addressed the online backlash and ended its response with a reference to one of Kelly‘s biggest hits.
What Did Kelly Clarkson Want to Buy?
In a statement shared on Instagram, Art of Play revealed that Kelly had asked about purchasing an item named “Molly.”
According to the store, Molly is a unique mechanical bird that sings and dances and is used in the magic shows held at the Brooklyn location.
The store explained that Molly is permanently attached to a wall and is not available for purchase.
That adds a new detail to the controversy, although it does not establish exactly what happened during Kelly‘s conversation with the employee.
“Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale. However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop,” they wrote.
As we previously reported, Kelly said she visited the shop with several purchases in mind but felt that a staff member assumed she couldn’t afford what she wanted.
She claimed the employee offered to find something comparable instead.
Kelly compared the experience to Pretty Woman, in which Julia Roberts‘ character is treated poorly while shopping at a Beverly Hills boutique.
Art of Play Responds to the Backlash
The store also addressed the reaction to Kelly‘s comments, saying the situation had been difficult for the small business.
Art of Play said it welcomes customers whether they intend to buy something or simply browse.
The business expressed surprise at the level of attention it received after Kelly named the shop on social media, describing the experience as overwhelming.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” the statement read.
Art of Play also thanked customers for their support and expressed hope that it could resolve the situation with Kelly someday.
In a pointed ending, the business referenced the lyrics of Kelly‘s hit song “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” writing:
“As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”
The store had also shared positive customer testimonials on Instagram following Kelly’s original criticism.
At this point, the store’s statement has not resolved whether Kelly was treated dismissively during her visit. Kelly‘s account of her interaction and the store’s explanation of Molly’s availability can both be true.
See Art of Play’s full response below, and see what Kelly Clarkson originally alleged.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DeXYsDaD8ja/
The post Kelly Clarkson’s Brooklyn Store Controversy Takes New Turn as Shop Reveals What She Tried to Buy, Responds to Backlash appeared first on Just Jared – Celebrity News, Entertainment News & Photos.
