Kelly Clarkson’s dispute with a Brooklyn store involving a mechanical bird has now taken a costly turn, with the shop listing the bird, named “Molly,” for sale at a staggering $15 million. Adam Rubin, the co-owner of Art of Play, made this decision amidst the ongoing public conflict with the singer. The store’s storefront now showcases a sign advertising Molly as “the world’s most famous singing bird automata” for the hefty price tag of $15 million.
Rubin revealed to USA Today that in addition to the bird’s sale, he planned to reward each shop employee with $15,000 and offer Bliss Kolb, the creator of Molly, a substantial sum of $1 million if the bird found a buyer. The remaining funds from the sale were intended for the acquisition of other antique automata.
CBC News has sought confirmation from Art of Play regarding these developments but has not received a response.
This development marks the latest twist in a widely discussed saga that has captivated the online community. The $15 million asking price is a significant escalation from the $15,000 figure Clarkson claimed to have observed during her visit to the store on October 10.
In an interview at Art of Play, Rubin expressed mixed sentiments about the situation. While acknowledging the surge in store foot traffic due to the attention, he also highlighted the backlash from Kelly Clarkson’s fans, stating, “Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger,” expressing concerns for the shop’s staff.
Footage of Clarkson’s visit to the store on October 13, captured by independent journalist Pablo Torre, shows the singer browsing the store before engaging with a clerk and eventually leaving without making a purchase.
The feud traces back to Clarkson’s social media post alleging mistreatment at the store, leading to a back-and-forth exchange between her and Art of Play. The store clarified that Molly was not for sale and offered an alternative bird automaton for approximately $2,000 that Clarkson reportedly did not view. Subsequently, Clarkson refuted the store’s claims, labeling them as rude and dishonest.
The online community has been actively following and commenting on the situation, with diverse opinions emerging on social media platforms. Users have weighed in on retail interactions, empathy, and customer service standards in light of the controversy.