'Kelly Clarkson Has Put Us In Danger': Art of Play Owner Fears for Staff Safety After Threats and Doxxing

Kelly Clarkson's public dispute with a small Brooklyn shop has escalated into a worrying situation for its employees, with the business's co-owner claiming his staff have faced threats, harassment and doxxing following the singer's viral complaint. Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play, says the backlash has gone far beyond negative reviews after Clarkson criticised the store on social media over an alleged unpleasant shopping experience.

The controversy began with a disagreement over a mechanical singing bird reportedly valued at $15,000 (about £11,300), but Rubin now fears the attention surrounding the incident could put his employees and people associated with the business at risk. Speaking about the fallout, Rubin accused the singer of using her enormous platform in a way that exposed a small independent business to a level of hostility it was not prepared to handle.

How The $15,000 Bird Dispute Started

The controversy began on 10 October, when Clarkson shared a complaint on X after visiting Art of Play in Brooklyn Heights. The singer claimed an employee treated her as though she could not afford an item she wanted to purchase. She compared the experience to a scene from the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman, in which Julia Roberts' character is dismissed by sales assistants in an expensive boutique.

The object at the centre of the disagreement was Molly, a mechanical bird that sings and dances. Clarkson said she had been interested in purchasing the item.

However, the shop offered a different explanation. Its owners said Molly was permanently attached to the wall and served as part of the store's magic performances, meaning the displayed bird was not for sale. They also claimed they explained that the price referred to a similar machine owned by the artist and offered to show Clarkson another automaton that she could purchase.

The conflicting accounts quickly fuelled an online argument, with Clarkson accusing the business of being rude and dishonest.

Owner Claims Staff Have Received Threats

Rubin says the consequences of the public dispute have been particularly difficult for the small business. According to the co-owner, the shop received a flood of hostile messages, negative reviews and phone calls from people reacting to Clarkson's posts. The volume of calls reportedly became so overwhelming that the business eventually switched off its telephone.

Rubin also alleged that angry individuals appeared outside the shop, shouting accusations at employees and confronting people associated with the business. He expressed concern that the situation could escalate further, particularly given the difference between Clarkson's international fame and the resources available to an independent retailer.

The owner also claimed that people who expressed support for Art of Play online were subjected to hostile comments, while individuals filmed near the shop were allegedly targeted through doxxing. Doxxing involves publishing someone's private or identifying information online, potentially exposing them to further harassment or unwanted contact.

Backlash Raises Questions About Celebrity Influence

The incident has reignited discussion about the responsibility that comes with having a large social media following. Clarkson's original complaint attracted millions of views, bringing widespread attention to a business that would otherwise have remained relatively unknown outside its local community.

While customers have every right to describe negative experiences, the situation highlights how quickly an online complaint can trigger consequences far beyond its original purpose. Rubin has argued that the shop was overwhelmed by people reacting to a brief encounter without knowing the full circumstances.

For now, the disagreement remains unresolved, with both sides maintaining different accounts of what happened during Clarkson's visit. The controversy serves as a reminder that online criticism can have real-world consequences, particularly for small businesses and employees who suddenly find themselves at the centre of a viral dispute.