What we learned from watching the Kelly Clarkson toy store security cam footage — and one question we still have

Security footage has emerged showing Kelly Clarkson browsing inside Brooklyn toy store Art of Play during her visit that led to a public dispute between her and the business. The video, available on YouTube, does not have any audio, leaving the crucial question of what was actually said during their interaction unanswered. Clarkson’s feud with Art of Play began when she posted an X, or Twitter, post criticizing the store, stating she was treated poorly during her visit.

Art of Play, in response, disputed Clarkson's account, alleging she attempted to purchase something that was not for sale and left the store immediately after being informed. Over the past few days, conflicting accounts and a global media frenzy have ensued over a $15,000 or possibly priceless animatronic bird. However, the exact sequence of events remains somewhat unclear.

The security footage does provide a few details. It shows Clarkson entering the store and browsing, picking up several items as she walks around. She then stops near an animatronic bird, appears to speak with a store employee, and walks away shortly after. The employee stays nearby for a moment before turning his attention to another customer.

Clarkson eventually returns the items she was carrying and heads toward the exit without making a purchase. The footage also shows a tense moment near the counter when Clarkson pauses and speaks to another employee, her hand gestures being more animated than before. A few customers nearby seem to notice and look toward her before she exits the store.

The store's owner stated in an interview that nothing happened to justify Clarkson's scolding of the shopkeeper as she left. Despite the footage giving a sense of what happened at Art of Play between Clarkson and the staff, it does not clarify what was said during their exchanges, as the audio is absent. Without further audio evidence or more eyewitness accounts, it may be impossible to know precisely what transpired in the Brooklyn toy store.