Kelly Clarkson had a real-life Pretty Woman moment, and she’s not keeping quiet about it.
The 44-year-old superstar took to social media on Saturday (Oct. 10) to call out a Brooklyn store for allegedly treating her poorly in a scene reminiscent of the 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
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“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,” Clarkson wrote on X.
“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 👎.”
The “Since U Been Gone” singer, who moved to New York in 2023, was referencing a memorable scene in Pretty Woman in which Roberts’ character, Vivian Ward, is snubbed by sales associates at an upscale store who refuse to show her more expensive items because of how she’s dressed.
Later in the film, Vivian returns dressed to impress and carrying shopping bags from other stores. She delivers a pointed message to the sales associate who dismissed her: “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”
Shortly after Clarkson’s post, Art of Play seemingly responded through Instagram Stories by sharing messages from customers defending the store. One wrote, “Can’t speak to everyone else’s experience, but @artofplay has been quite welcoming during every one of my visits. Let’s all extend a bit of grace to each other.” Another added, “For what it’s worth I think @artofplay is a great store!”
The following day, Art of Play — known for its “unique collection of home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books” — shared its side of the story on Instagram.
“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,” the store wrote. “Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale.”
The shop pushed back against Clarkson’s account, emphasizing that all visitors are welcome whether they intend to make a purchase or simply browse. “At Art of Play whether someone comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while, they are equally welcome,” the business wrote, adding that many guests spend hours enjoying its puzzles, games and toys.
Art of Play also expressed surprise at the attention its small business received following Clarkson’s post, writing, “Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store.”
The shop thanked supporters and expressed hope of clearing things up with Clarkson someday, closing with a nod to her 2012 hit “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” the store wrote.
In February, Clarkson announced she would end her Daytime Emmy-winning talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, after seven seasons to “prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives.” The series finale aired in August, featuring a special Kellyoke performance of “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, along with her hits “Since U Been Gone” and “Stronger.”
During a late-September appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Clarkson discussed her return to The Voice for season 30, describing the experience of reuniting with original coach Adam Levine and new coaches Queen Latifah and country singer Riley Green as “seamless.”
Clarkson’s most recent album, Chemistry, arrived in 2023 and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
