Brooklyn Store Owner Claims Kelly Clarkson Put Business in Danger Over $15M Bird Dispute
Brooklyn shop owner warns Kelly Clarkson’s viral dispute over a mechanical bird has led to threats and a $15 million price tag.
U.S. Space Force 21SW by Staff Sgt. Dennis Hoffman/Wikimedia Commons
Adam Rubin, co-owner of Brooklyn’s Art of Play, expressed concern for his store’s safety after a viral dispute with singer Kelly Clarkson over a mechanical singing bird, now priced at $15 million. The controversy has sparked threats and doxxing against the business and its supporters.
Dispute Over Mechanical Singing Bird Sparks Backlash
The conflict began when Clarkson visited Art of Play and pointed to a $15,000 price tag on a mechanical bird, later claiming an employee treated her as if she could not afford it and offered to find a comparable item. She publicly criticized the store on social media, describing her experience as humiliating and likening it to the treatment of Julia Roberts’ character in “Pretty Woman.” Clarkson wrote, “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” and later accused the employee of lying.
Art of Play responded by clarifying that the bird Clarkson saw, named Molly, is permanently attached to the wall and used in performances, and not for sale. They explained the $15,000 price referred to a similar automaton by artist Bliss Kolb, and noted another automaton priced around $2,000 was available for purchase.
Price Tag Soars to $15 Million Amid Viral Attention
Following the dispute, a new sign was placed next to Molly, identifying her as “The world’s most famous singing bird automata!” with a dramatic price of $15,000,000—1,000 times the original $15,000 figure that sparked Clarkson’s complaint. Rubin attributed the price surge to “supply and demand,” though the bird remains off the market. The bird’s notoriety has made it one of the most recognizable mechanical birds globally.
Business Owner Fears for Store’s Safety and Reputation
Rubin told Fox News Digital that Clarkson’s large platform and “abuse of power” have intensified backlash toward his small business. He said, “Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger,” explaining that the threats have escalated beyond online comments, with staff and supporters being threatened and doxed. Rubin expressed frustration that people who never visited the store have joined in the attacks, questioning why strangers would attack a small business on behalf of a celebrity.
Despite recently recovering from a medical procedure to remove cancer from his face, Rubin came to the store to address concerns about its safety. “I’m not even supposed to be here today. I got a cancer removed from my face last week,” he said.
Celebrity Influence and Small Business Challenges
Rubin emphasized the responsibility that comes with celebrity status, stating, “You can’t just try to squash somebody like a bug and expect everybody to give you a pass.” He highlighted the overwhelming support from neighbors and fans, who have also faced attacks. The dispute underscores the power dynamics between high-profile figures and small businesses in the age of social media.
The incident began Saturday when Clarkson visited the Brooklyn store, but the repercussions continue to reverberate, affecting both the shop’s reputation and security. Rubin’s concerns reflect a broader conversation about the impacts of viral celebrity statements on local businesses.
The mechanical bird Molly and its extraordinary new price tag remain symbols of a dispute that has captured widespread attention far beyond Brooklyn’s Art of Play.
