After Kelly Clarkson took to
In her first tweet, which garnered nearly 260,000 likes and 32.2 million views, the singer wrote that she drove to the store and found it “really awesome and had a few things in mind to buy.” She went on to write that she “was literally looked at like I couldn’t afford it and told he could find something comparable for me. Wow, man. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.” She then named the store and told her fans to visit it if they “like being treated like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman,” accompanied by a thumbs-down emoji.
On Sunday, the company posted a multi-slide carousel to the store’s Instagram account sharing its side of the story. They began by clarifying that the item Clarkson had requested about purchasing was “a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton that plays an important role in the magic shows we put on here.” “Molly is permanently attached to the wall and is not for sale. However, the negative experience Kelly described on Twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a store,” the caption read. (In the caption of a February 2025 Instagram post, the company wrote that Molly is the store’s “beloved store bird” and “mascot,” and is one of the few Art of Play items to carry a “Do Not Touch” sign.)
The company continued to note that “whether someone comes to make a purchase or just look around for a moment, they are also welcome. We greet everyone who walks through the door with the invitation to ‘pick up things and play.'” And it does, many stay for hours enjoying our puzzles, games and toys.
Art of Play also acknowledged the significant backlash they have received since Clarkson’s statement, before quoting the singer and concluding the post.
“Imagine our surprise when our small, local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store. It’s been a surreal experience to be at the center of such outrage after just one celebrity mention. Thanks to all our friends for their support and welcome to all the curious people who discovered us in the midst of the drama. We’ll keep our heads down and hope we can clear things up with Kelly one day. As a talented popular singer once said, “this He who doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’
Following Art of Play’s messages, a seemingly skeptical Clarkson responded with another message to in a condescending tone “yes it’s for sale but it’s $15,000 so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can.’”
She continued, “All of this never happened and now it’s no longer for sale. Okay, cool. So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar.” The singer explained that while she “obviously” supports small businesses, they “don’t get a free pass to treat people less than.” “It’s not that hard to be nice,” she concluded. “I never blew people up but you, my friend, were an exception. Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.”
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