Kelly Clarkson (44) has had a complicated... and controversial week. According to her own words, she experienced discrimination in a store, similar to what happens to Julia Roberts in the iconic scene from Pretty Woman, where a saleswoman belittles Vivian, the character played by Roberts. However, the store claims that things did not happen as the singer says, and today various international media outlets cannot stop talking about her. In fact, just a few hours ago, a video with footage of the incident was released.
On October 10, Clarkson tweeted: "I just drove to Brooklyn to visit this really cool store where I planned to buy several things. Literally, they looked at me as if I couldn't afford it and told me they could find me an alternative." "Wow, dude. You're rude and just lost a huge sale. But you should check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you like being treated like Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman. Definitely go visit," she continued.
Of course, her tweet spread like wildfire on social media, and within minutes the store - specializing in toys and magic artifacts - began receiving numerous criticisms on platforms like Instagram. This forced the store to issue an extensive statement.
"Yesterday, Kelly Clarkson visited us in Brooklyn and inquired about the possibility of purchasing Molly, a unique automaton in the shape of a bird that sings and dances and plays a significant role in the magic shows we organize here. Molly is permanently fixed to the wall and is not for sale. However, the negative experience Kelly described on Twitter will resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a store," they commented.
"At Art of Play, whether someone comes in to buy something or just wants to browse, everyone is equally welcome. We welcome all who walk through our door, inviting them to pick up and play with the objects. And they do. Many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games, and toys," they added.
"Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by eight million people who have never visited us. It has been a surreal experience to become the center of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity," they noted, also stating that they hoped to continue maintaining a low profile and to clarify things with Clarkson.
"As a famous and very talented singer once said, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger,'" they concluded, making a nod to one of the artist's most famous songs. Despite this, the celeb did not receive Art of Play's words with open arms. In fact, she responded with severity and bad humor.
And, even though nothing controversial happened for three days, the controversy has now escalated because a journalist has released footage from the security cameras at Art of Play. In the video - without sound - Clarkson is seen entering the store, approaching the mechanical bird, and speaking with an employee. Later, the singer returns an item to a shelf and, before leaving, appears to complain, gesturing visibly annoyed.
In total, Kelly spent four minutes and 50 seconds in the store. And although the footage does not allow to verify what the employee actually said or which of the two versions aligns with what happened, numerous internet users have started labeling the star as "problematic."
On the other hand, Adam Rubin - one of the owners of Art of Play, who is still not confirmed to be the person who argued, on-site, with Clarkson - has given an interview to the Daily Mail, where he accused the singer of putting his employees in danger. "We have received threatening calls. We have been flooded with negative reviews. People show up at the store and yell from outside. They are spreading the personal data of our neighbors," he mentioned. However, Kelly has not responded to his accusations yet.