Kelly Clarkson is facing a costly situation with a Brooklyn store regarding a mechanical bird, with the price now set at $15 million. Adam Rubin, the co-owner of Art of Play, has decided to list the shop’s automated bird, named “Molly,” for sale at the hefty sum of $15 million amidst the ongoing dispute with the popular singer. The store’s updated listing describes “Molly” as the creation of Bliss Kolb, touted as the world’s most renowned singing bird automaton.
Rubin has also pledged to reward each shop employee with $15,000 and offer Kolb $1 million if the bird is purchased. The remaining funds from the sale are intended for acquiring other antique automata. CBC News has attempted to reach out to Art of Play for verification but has not received a response.
The conflict has attracted significant attention online, resulting in a surge of foot traffic to the store but also sparking backlash from Clarkson’s fans. Rubin expressed concerns for the safety of the shop’s employees, blaming Clarkson for the situation and the ensuing negative impact.
Footage captured on October 13 shows Clarkson visiting the store, where she interacts with the staff before ultimately leaving without making a purchase. The saga began when Clarkson alleged on social media that she was treated disrespectfully during her visit to the store.
The online dispute escalated further when Art of Play responded, clarifying that the bird in question was not for sale, which led to a back-and-forth exchange between the singer and the store. The store defended its reputation, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the incident.
The controversy has sparked debates on social media, with users sharing varied opinions on the matter. Some have emphasized the importance of respectful treatment in customer interactions, while others have focused on the perspectives of both Clarkson and the shop owners.
