Art of Play, a specialty store on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn , has attracted widespread attention in recent days following a controversy involving singer Kelly Clarkson.
Clarkson took to X on Saturday to recount her negative experience at the store to her nearly 8 million followers. The dispute started on Saturday, October 10, when Kelly Clarkson took to X to criticize Art of Play after visiting its Brooklyn location. “Nothing happened in this shop to justify her scolding our shopkeeper on the way out, but I can let that go. The co-owner called the episode an “insane misunderstanding. He alleged that the shop and individuals associated with the business have received threats and experienced harassment since the singer shared her dissatisfaction with her visit. He also alleged that some people have visited the store to confront employees, while online users have circulated personal information about neighbors who recorded the incident.
She said she had visited hoping to purchase an item but was abruptly informed that it was not for sale. Rubin said Art of Play has been inundated with calls, emails and unfavorable reviews on multiple platforms. The singer said she felt she had been treated as though she could not afford the item she wanted, likening the encounter to Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman. Rubin said in the Curbed interview that the store was busy when Clarkson stopped by and that her visit lasted less than five minutes. Clarkson left the shop before the employee could show her the alternative item, according to Art of Play.
You know, everybody has a bad day,” Rubin told Curbed in an interview published on Tuesday.
