Brooklyn Shop Owner Claims Safety Risks After Dispute With Kelly Clarkson

A public dispute between singer Kelly Clarkson and the Brooklyn curiosity shop Art of Play has escalated into concerns over business safety. Adam Rubin, a co-owner of the establishment, has publicly alleged that the singer’s social media comments following her visit to the store prompted online attacks and threats against those associated with the business.The controversy originated after Clarkson visited the Brooklyn shop and later claimed on social media that she was treated as if she could not afford the merchandise. The singer, who compared her experience to a scene from the film Pretty Woman, alleged that an employee suggested she find something comparable after she expressed interest in a mechanical singing bird. She later publicly disputed the store's version of events, calling them “a liar” regarding the bird's availability for purchase.Addressing the fallout on Tuesday, Rubin told Fox News Digital that the backlash has extended beyond mere criticism. According to Rubin, supporters of the shop have been subjected to threats, and individuals associated with the business have had their personal information exposed online. Rubin described the situation as an “abuse of power,” arguing that Clarkson’s significant celebrity following had intensified the negative reaction toward his small enterprise. “I am afraid for the safety of our shop,” Rubin stated, emphasizing that he has been forced to navigate these challenges while recovering from a recent medical procedure involving the removal of cancer from his face.Amid the ongoing friction, the mechanical singing bird at the center of the disagreement—known as Molly—has been assigned a new, significantly higher price tag. A sign recently placed beside the automaton now lists its value at $15 million. This figure is 1,000 times the original $15,000 amount cited in Clarkson’s initial complaint. Rubin characterized the price hike as a response to the surge in attention the bird has received, framing it as a matter of “supply and demand.” Despite the prominent new price, the shop has reiterated that Molly is not for sale and serves as a permanent fixture used in the store’s magic performances.The store maintains that the initial conflict was based on a misunderstanding. According to Art of Play, staff members had informed Clarkson that Molly was a non-selling fixture and offered to help her purchase a similar automaton directly from the artist, Bliss Kolb. The business clarified that a different, smaller automaton was available for approximately $2,000.The dispute has placed significant strain on the shop's operations. Rubin noted that he chose to come into work despite medical advice to rest, citing a primary need to manage the safety concerns and clarify the shop's position. While the singer remains firm in her account of the encounter, the shop continues to defend its employees' actions during the interaction. As of now, the store is managing the public attention while asserting that its primary focus remains on the curiosity and magic it provides to the local community.