Brooklyn novelty shop reeling from 'surreal' row with Kelly Clarkson over mechanical bird

What the report says

BBC World News reports that a Brooklyn novelty store, Art of Play in Cobble Hill, has been thrust into an online dispute after singer Kelly Clarkson publicly complained about her visit to the shop. Clarkson said she felt dismissed when she tried to buy a mechanical singing bird and compared the experience to the “Pretty Woman” shopping scene. The store says the bird, named Molly, is fixed to the wall and was not for sale, though staff say they suggested she could order an identical version for a high price or choose a different bird from Germany.

The BBC says the row spread quickly on social media and brought reporters and curious visitors to the store, which is usually a small neighborhood business. Art of Play said the reaction has included threats and harassment against staff. The owner told the BBC’s U.S. partner CBS News that the singer’s post had put employees at risk.

The shop has since leaned into the attention, leaving Molly on display with a joking $15m price tag. BBC footage also showed surveillance video that the outlet said captured Clarkson’s visit, though it had no audio. The incident has become a local and online talking point, highlighting how quickly a celebrity complaint can affect a small business and draw public scrutiny beyond the original exchange.