Kelly Clarkson’s public dispute with a Brooklyn curiosity shop over a $15,000 mechanical singing bird has taken another turn, with the store’s co-owner claiming the backlash has raised concerns about the safety of his business. Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play, has alleged that the singer’s public comments triggered online attacks and threats against people associated with the shop. Meanwhile, the bird at the centre of the controversy has been given a staggering $15 million price tag.Speaking to Fox News Digital at the Brooklyn store on Tuesday morning, Rubin accused Clarkson of putting his business at risk following their viral dispute over the unusual automaton. He also alleged that the backlash had extended beyond negative comments on social media, with supporters of the shop facing threats and having their personal information exposed online.“But I am afraid for the safety of our shop. Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger,” Rubin told the publication.“We’ve got incredible support from our neighbors and fans over the past few days, and all of them have been attacked, threatened, doxed,” he added.Rubin also accused the singer of an “abuse of power”, arguing that her celebrity status and large following had intensified the reaction against his small business.“You can’t just try to squash somebody like a bug and expect everybody to give you a pass,” he said.
Kelly Clarkson’s $15,000 singing bird now carries a $15 million price tag
Adding an unexpected twist to the dispute, the mechanical singing bird at the centre of the controversy now has a listed price of $15 million. A photograph taken by Fox News Digital on Tuesday showed a new sign beside the bird, named Molly, identifying it as a creation of artist Bliss Kolb.The sign describes Molly as “The world’s most famous singing bird automata!” and lists its price as “$15,000,000”. The new figure is 1,000 times the original $15,000 price that Clarkson cited in her complaint.Rubin attributed the dramatic price change to the attention the bird has received since the controversy erupted, describing it as a matter of “supply and demand”. However, Art of Play has maintained that Molly herself is not for sale and is permanently attached to the shop’s wall.In an earlier public statement, the business explained that the $15,000 figure referred to a nearly identical automaton available from Kolb, rather than Molly, which serves as a fixture in the store’s magic performances. The shop also said another singing bird automaton, priced at approximately $2,000, was available.The new price tag has added another layer to the public disagreement, which began after Clarkson visited the Brooklyn store over the weekend.
How the dispute between Kelly Clarkson and Art of Play began
Clarkson took to social media after her visit to Art of Play, saying she had travelled to Brooklyn to browse the shop and had several items in mind to purchase. According to the singer, an employee treated her as though she could not afford the merchandise and suggested finding her something comparable.Comparing the experience to Julia Roberts’ character in the 1990 film Pretty Woman, Clarkson wrote: “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.”“Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” she added.The singer later doubled down on her account after Art of Play disputed her version of events. Clarkson maintained that she had pointed to a $15,000 price tag and had been told the bird was available for purchase, only for an employee to suggest a comparable alternative.“So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it,” she wrote in a follow-up post.Art of Play, however, has maintained that the encounter was a misunderstanding. The shop said Molly was a permanent fixture and that employees had offered Clarkson the option of purchasing a similar automaton directly from its creator.
Shop owner says he came to work despite recovering from cancer removal
For Rubin, the controversy has become more personal than a disagreement over an unusual piece of merchandise. During his conversation with Fox News Digital, the co-owner revealed that he had recently undergone a medical procedure and was still recovering.“I’m not even supposed to be here today. I got a cancer removed from my face last week,” Rubin said.“I’m getting the stitches out tonight,” he added.Rubin said concerns about the shop’s safety were the reason he came in despite being advised not to work while recovering. He also wanted to explain what the business represents beyond the viral dispute.“This is a curiosity shop,” he said, describing a space filled with objects designed to inspire wonder, including spinning tops, kaleidoscopes, puzzles, games and playing cards.“And the reason this place exists is to make people feel like a kid again,” Rubin added.The business began online before opening a small location in San Diego. According to Rubin, the Brooklyn store opened approximately two years ago. He is also a children’s book author and magician, with the shop combining its collection of unusual objects with live entertainment.Art of Play houses a small theatre that hosts close-up magic performances, and Molly serves as the opening act, Rubin said. The business has repeatedly maintained that the bird is attached to the wall and is not available for purchase.
Kelly Clarkson is still welcome at the Brooklyn shop , owner says
Despite the public disagreement and the alleged threats, Rubin said Clarkson would still be welcome at Art of Play.“We messaged her. I don’t know if she saw it. I don’t know if she cares,” he told the publication.