Kelly Clarkson’s dispute with a Brooklyn store regarding a mechanical bird has taken a costly turn, with the shop now listing the bird, named “Molly,” for a staggering $15 million. Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play, made this decision amidst the ongoing public clash with the famous singer. The store’s display now boasts a price tag of $15,000,000 for Molly, described as the world’s most renowned singing bird automaton created by Bliss Kolb.
Rubin also mentioned that if someone purchased the bird, he would give each store employee $15,000 and pay Kolb $1 million. The remaining funds would be used to acquire other antique automata. Despite attempts to reach Art of Play for confirmation, CBC News has not received a response.
This development marks the latest twist in a saga that has captured widespread online attention. It represents a significant escalation from the $15,000 valuation Clarkson claimed she saw during her visit to the store on October 10.
The shop owner expressed concerns about the situation, stating that Kelly Clarkson’s actions have jeopardized their business. Rubin highlighted the surge in customer traffic due to the controversy but also noted the backlash from the singer’s fans.
A video capturing Clarkson’s visit to the store on October 13, filmed by independent journalist Pablo Torre, shows her browsing items before engaging with a store clerk and ultimately leaving without making a purchase.
The dispute began when Clarkson accused the store of treating her poorly during her visit. The store responded by clarifying that Molly, the bird she inquired about, was not for sale. This back-and-forth exchange sparked a wave of online discussion and criticism.
On social media, users have been actively following and commenting on the situation, with varying perspectives on the conflict between Clarkson and Art of Play. The incident has raised discussions on customer service, celebrity encounters, and retail experiences.