Kelly Clarkson, is making headlines again, over the controversy that erupted over her recent visit to a local Brooklyn store. The singer found herself in a war of words after after she publicly criticised the business over her shopping experience.Now, amid the controversy, a 4-minute-and-50-second clip, obtained by independent journalist Pablo Torre has gone viral. The footage shows Clarkson, 44, browsing items at Art of Play and gives fans a look at the events that unfolded at the store, although, it doesn’t include any audio.In the video, Clarkson is seen picking up items before stopping to observe a mechanical bird sculpture and appears to speak to an employee whom Torre identified as one of the store’s owners. Following what seems to be a brief exchange, the employee points in another direction as Clarkson looks at a different item.The singer is later seen walking towards the store’s front exit before turning around and gesturing towards the shop owner, while two other employees look on. Separate footage from an external camera, shows Clarkson taking out her phone as she leaves the premises.According to the footage, Clarkson posted about her experience on X just 15 minutes later. Her post read, “Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me. Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale. But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in Pretty Woman. For sure, check it out.”Art of Play responded on Instagram the following day, claiming that Clarkson had asked about purchasing Molly, a “one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton”, which it said was “permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.”The store’s statement read, “Yesterday, Kelly Clarkson visited us in Brooklyn and inquired about buying “Molly,” a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton who plays an important role in the magic shows we host here. 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.At Art of Play whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome. We greet everyone who walks in the door with the invitation to “pick things up and play.” And they do, many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games and toys.Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store. It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.Thanks to all our friends for their support and welcome to all the curious folks who have discovered us amidst the drama. We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
