Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn store clashed on social media. Behind it, power dynamics loomed

Adam Rubin, owner of the Brooklyn curiosity shop Art of Play, expressed concern over the safety of his staff following Kelly Clarkson's public criticism of the store. The backlash included thousands of calls, messages, and threats. Rubin stated, "Kelly Clarkson has put us all in danger by using her platform." He added that the store had received a "barrage of threats from Kelly Clarkson fans" and that they had no idea such reactions would transpire.

The dispute began on October 10 when Clarkson posted on X that she made a trip to Art of Play, where she encountered a staff member who treated her as if she could not afford anything. She compared the experience to a scene from Pretty Woman, in which Julia Roberts's character is snubbed by a snobbish salesperson. Clarkson called the employee an "idiot" who "just lost a huge sale" and sarcastically suggested the shop to anyone who wished to be treated similarly.

The item Clarkson desired was a $15,000 mechanical bird, which the shop claims was never for sale. Staff recommended an alternative. On October 13, a podcast aired security footage that appeared to show Clarkson visiting the shop. However, it has not been confirmed if the woman in the video is indeed the singer. The footage, timestamped at around 2:50 p.m. ET, shows a woman in a yellow T-shirt, a baseball cap, and a backpack entering the crowded store and stopping at a wall-mounted mechanical bird puppet called "Molly."

After speaking briefly with an employee, she walks away, leaving the employee confused and pointing towards his colleague. Rubin claimed that the store has faced online attacks and demands for an apology, with most critics having never visited the shop. Additionally, defenders of the store have also been targeted, with some receiving cruel comments about their pets and medical conditions.

Despite the anger, Rubin believes Clarkson's frustration stemmed from being treated like an ordinary customer and is open to reconciling with her.