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Kelly Clarkson Art of Play controversy
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- New York City specialty store Art of Play is embroiled in a public dispute with singer Kelly Clarkson, who accused the store of treating her as if she couldn't afford a $15,000 mechanical singing bird named Molly.
- The store co-owner Adam Rubin stated that the bird is not for sale and was permanently attached to the wall, and the shop has faced harassment and threats since Clarkson's social media post.
- In response to the controversy, Art of Play dramatically raised the price of the bird from $15,000 to $15 million, reflecting the cost of commissioning a custom piece from the artist Bliss Kolb.
- Despite the backlash, the store has received significant local support, with increased sales, foot traffic, and community gestures such as gifts left for shopkeepers.
- Neighbors and visitors describe the situation as a misunderstanding, emphasizing that the bird is well-known and not for sale, and praise the store and its staff as kind and unique.
