Kelly Clarkson calls out Brooklyn store for treating her like she couldn't afford it
The Grammy winner posted verbatim on X that an Art of Play employee offered her 'something comparable' instead of what she came to buy — then invoked Pretty Woman's most famous revenge scene.
Kelly Clarkson drove across New York City to visit a Brooklyn specialty shop she thought looked cool, left without buying anything, and then told her 8.8 million followers on X exactly why.
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.— Kelly Clarkson, singer
The store in question is Art of Play, which describes itself on its website as featuring a 'unique collection of magical home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books' and claims to have been called 'one of the most beautiful shops in New York City.' It also operates an 'intimate 26-seat theatre' hosting close-up magic performances, according to its site.
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 👎— Kelly Clarkson, singer
The Pretty Woman reference points to a scene in the 1990 film in which Julia Roberts' character, Vivian Ward, is turned away by a snobbish boutique employee because of how she is dressed. Vivian returns later, laden with shopping bags from other stores, and tells the same employee — who works on commission — 'Big mistake. Big. Huge.' Clarkson's fans immediately caught the parallel, with many making the same joke in her replies.
The post spread quickly. Art of Play's Google listing was subsequently flooded with one-star reviews, including one that read: 'y'all mean to Kelly Clarkson? heck no,' according to Page Six. Art of Play declined to comment when contacted by Page Six by phone on Saturday.
Clarkson did not name the specific employee involved or reveal what she had planned to purchase. She also did not say whether the employee recognized her. Her fans filled in that gap themselves — one replied, 'Wow! Imagine not knowing THE Kelly Clarkson,' while another wrote, 'Glad he didn't waste your time. Unfortunately for him, he's about to have a lot of free time,' according to Page Six.
Clarkson, who won the first season of American Idol and has since won multiple Grammy Awards, moved to New York City in 2023. She hosts a daytime talk show there. TMZ noted she is not hurting for cash, making the alleged snub all the more pointed.
Why it matters — A single social media post from a celebrity with millions of followers can instantly reshape a small business's public reputation, as Art of Play's review-bombed Google listing now illustrates.
⚠ Not yet confirmed
- The employee did not recognize Clarkson as a celebrity
Reported by people.com, tmz.com, complex.com, pagesix.com
- Kelly ClarksonAmerican singer-songwriter (born 1982)
- Julia RobertsAmerican actress (born 1967)
