Brooklyn store fires back at Kelly Clarkson over ‘Pretty Woman’ shopping complaint

Art of Play responds to Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Pretty Woman’ complaint, claiming she tried to buy an item not for sale

A Brooklyn store has responded to Kelly Clarkson’s allegations that she received poor treatment during a shopping visit, comparing the experience to a famous scene from the 1990 film Pretty Woman.

Clarkson, 44, criticised Art of Play, a home goods boutique in Brooklyn, in a post on X on October 10. The singer and former American Idol winner claimed a staff member appeared to assume she could not afford an item she wanted to purchase and offered to find her something comparable instead.

“Wow, dude. You're an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” Clarkson wrote, adding that shoppers could visit the store if they wanted to experience treatment similar to Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman.

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…

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) October 10, 2026

In the film, Roberts’ character is dismissed by sales staff who believe she cannot afford their merchandise. She later returns to the shop with several shopping bags to demonstrate what they missed out on.

Art of Play addressed the allegations in an Instagram statement on October 11, offering a different account of the encounter. The store claimed Clarkson had asked to purchase a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton that was permanently attached to the wall and not available for sale. The item also plays a role in magic shows hosted at the boutique.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The retailer acknowledged that Clarkson’s description of feeling judged in a shop was an experience many customers could relate to. However, it also expressed surprise at the online backlash, saying the small business had faced widespread criticism from millions of people who had never visited.

The store thanked supporters and said it hoped to clear things up with Clarkson in the future. It ended its statement with a reference to her hit song "Stronger", writing, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

The incident prompted mixed reactions online, with some supporting Clarkson and others questioning her decision to publicly identify the business.

Art of Play sells distinctive home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books, and hosts close-up magic performances.