Kelly Clarkson went to Brooklyn hoping to leave with a few treasures. Instead, the singer found herself starring in what she described as a remake of a well-known scene from the movie Pretty Woman. Clarkson took to X on Oct. 10 to call out Art of Play, a Brooklyn shop selling games, puzzles, toys and curiosities. She alleged a staff member treated her as though she could not afford the merchandise and offered to find her “something comparable”. “You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” Clarkson wrote. “But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in Pretty Woman,” she added. “For sure, check it out.” She punctuated her post with a thumbs-down emoji. In the 1990 movie, Roberts’ character is dismissed by a boutique saleswoman who assumes she cannot afford the clothes. She later returns, dressed in expensive clothing, holding shopping bags and addresses the same saleswoman with the now iconic line: “Big mistake. Big. Huge.” Store defends staff response Art of Play responded on Instagram on Sunday, saying Clarkson had asked about buying Molly, a one-of-a-kind mechanical bird that sings and dances during the store’s magic shows. According to the shop, “Molly is permanently attached to a wall and is not for sale.” The store acknowledged that Clarkson’s account of feeling judged in a shop would resonate with others, while insisting all visitors are welcome, whether they buy anything or simply browse. It added that since the celebrity’s social media post, the store had found itself under public attack. “Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” the post reads. “It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.” It also expressed hope the matter could eventually be resolved. Music video director Joseph Kahn, who has worked with Clarkson, defended her character, calling her “the nicest person I’ve ever worked with” and suggesting the store rethink its choices.
