Kelly Clarkson finds herself entangled in a pricey dispute with a Brooklyn store over a mechanical bird, as the shop’s co-owner, Adam Rubin, has decided to list the automated bird, named “Molly,” for a staggering $15 million. Rubin plans to reward each shop employee with $15,000 and offer $1 million to the bird’s creator, Bliss Kolb, if someone purchases the bird. The remaining proceeds will be used to acquire other antique automata.
Despite attempts to confirm with Art of Play, CBC News has not received a response. This development marks a significant escalation from the $15,000 price tag Clarkson claimed she saw during her visit to the store on October 10.
Rubin expressed concerns about the shop’s safety due to the fallout from the feud, noting the surge in foot traffic but also the backlash from Clarkson’s fans. Meanwhile, footage captured Clarkson’s visit to the store, showcasing her interaction with the staff before departing.
The conflict began when Clarkson alleged on social media that she felt judged during her visit to the store, drawing comparisons to a scene from the film “Pretty Woman.” The store responded by clarifying that “Molly” was not for sale, leading to a back-and-forth exchange between Clarkson and the store online.
Further communication revealed that the $15,000 price tag was for a similar bird that could be produced, not for the original automaton. Rubin emphasized that the store did not recognize Clarkson at the time and disputed her account of the visit.
As the online debate unfolds, social media users have been actively engaging with the situation, offering diverse perspectives on the contentious interaction between Kelly Clarkson and Art of Play.