@user609306143323: Kelly Clarkson’s public dispute with a small Brooklyn store has taken another dramatic turn, with the owner claiming the controversy has left his employees frightened and his business facing a wave of online hostility. Adam Rubin, 43, co-owner of Art of Play, told the Daily Mail that he had been recovering from skin cancer removal surgery when Clarkson’s social media posts sparked a storm around his shop. The dispute began when the 44-year-old singer visited the store to ask about Molly, a mechanical singing bird displayed near the cashier with a $15,000 price tag nearby. Clarkson later claimed she was treated as though she could not afford the item. Comparing her experience to the famous movie Pretty Woman, she criticized the employee online. But Rubin insists Molly was never for sale. He says the price tag referred to ordering a similar creation from the bird’s artist, Bliss Kolb. According to Rubin, the fallout quickly became overwhelming. He claimed the store received threatening phone calls and messages, negative reviews, and angry visitors. He also alleged that nearby residents were harassed online. “Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger,” Rubin said, expressing concern for his employees’ safety. The store owner also claimed Clarkson shouted at a staff member while leaving and said she would never return. Clarkson’s representatives had not publicly responded to the latest comments in the article. Despite the backlash, Art of Play has also received support from local customers, while interest in Molly has surged. Rubin even joked that the bird is now worth $15 million. What began as a disagreement over a purchase has become a much bigger debate about celebrity influence and the consequences of public callouts. When a celebrity speaks out, where should the line be drawn between sharing an experience and risking harm to a small business? \#KellyClarkson #CelebrityNews #Brooklyn #ViralDrama #hollywoodnews

Natalie Corcoran

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Region: US

Wednesday 14 October 2026 11:27:00 GMT