Kelly Clarkson’s dispute with a Brooklyn store over a mechanical bird has taken an expensive turn, with the shop now 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 conflict with the pop star. He mentioned that if someone were to purchase the bird, each shop employee would receive $15,000, and the creator, Bliss Kolb, would be paid $1 million. The remaining funds would be used to acquire other antique automata.
Despite attempts to confirm the information, CBC News has not received a response from Art of Play. This development marks the latest twist in a saga that has captivated the internet, significantly escalating from the $15,000 price tag that Kelly Clarkson had initially seen during her visit to the store on October 10.
In response to the increased foot traffic but also backlash from Clarkson’s fans, Rubin expressed concerns regarding their safety, stating, “Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger.” Video footage of Clarkson’s visit to the store, captured by journalist Pablo Torre, shows her browsing and interacting with store staff before leaving.
The conflict began when Clarkson claimed she was treated poorly during her visit, prompting a public exchange between her and the store. The store clarified that “Molly” was not for sale, leading to a back-and-forth on social media. The situation garnered widespread attention, with social media users sharing their opinions on the matter.
As the dispute continues to unfold, it has sparked discussions about customer interactions and perceptions in retail settings, drawing varied responses from online observers.