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Kelly Clarkson slams Brooklyn store over ‘Pretty Woman’ treatment
Confirmed
In Short: Singer Kelly Clarkson took to social media to criticize a Brooklyn store for allegedly treating her poorly, comparing the experience to a scene from the film 'Pretty Woman.' In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Clarkson detailed her visit to Art of Play, a store in Brooklyn, where she felt snubbed by a salesperson.
Clarkson wrote, 'Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me.' She emphasized her disappointment by adding, 'Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale. But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in Pretty Woman. For sure, check it out 👎.'
The incident echoes a memorable scene from the 1990 romantic comedy 'Pretty Woman,' where Julia Roberts' character, Vivian Ward, is snubbed by sales associates at an upscale store who refuse to show her more expensive items because of how she is dressed. Clarkson's post garnered significant attention, with many users expressing support for her stance.
Clarkson, who moved to New York in 2023, explained that she had traveled across the city specifically to visit the store, only to leave disappointed by her interaction with a salesperson. She noted, 'For what it’s worth I think @artofplay is a great store!' but emphasized that the treatment she received was unacceptable.
The store, located at 69 Atlantic Avenue, near Brooklyn Bridge Park, specializes in puzzles, games, and toys, and also hosts performances by close-up magicians. However, the store did not apologize for the alleged incident, and some customers defended the staff's actions.
Annie Qin, a 21-year-old customer, told The New York Daily News that Art of Play was 'a big reason' she chose to visit the city. Another user commented, 'Can’t speak to everyone else’s experience, but @artofplay has been quite welcoming during every one of my visits. Let’s all extend a bit of grace to each other.'
Clarkson's post also drew attention to her recent decision to step back from her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, to prioritize her children. She announced in February that she would end the show after seven seasons to focus on her family.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate about customer service and the treatment of shoppers in retail environments, particularly in high-end stores. While the store did not apologize, the incident has sparked discussions about the importance of treating all customers with respect and professionalism.
Background
Pretty Woman is a 1990 American romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall and written by J. F.
What's confirmed
- “Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me,” Clarkson wrote on X.
What's still developing
- The 44-year-old superstar took to social media on Saturday (Oct.
- The singer appeared to suggest that she experienced similar treatment, claiming the salesperson judged her ability to pay rather than helping her find the products she wanted.
- The singer’s description of the incident echoed the famous "Pretty Woman" scene, in which Vivian returns to the boutique after being rejected and tells the saleswoman, "Big mistake. Big. Huge."
- Unfortunately for him, he’s about to have a lot of free time.” A different user interjected : "Met Kelly before.
- In February, the multi-hyphenate revealed her decision to step back as a daytime host on The Kelly Clarkson Show in an effort to “prioritize” her children — daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remington Alexander, 10 — after the death of their father, Brandon Blackstock.
- According to Kelly, an employee made her feel like she couldn't afford the merchandise and allegedly offered to find her something comparable instead.
- The singer took to X Saturday to blast Art of Play, a Brooklyn shop specializing in puzzles, games and toys, after she says an employee apparently made some assumptions about the size of her wallet.
- The singer and former talk show host called out the Brooklyn store on social media The singer and former talk show host called out the Brooklyn store on social media Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later?
- The 44-year-old star - who has River, 12, and Remington, 10, with late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock - has told Art of Play that they had lost a "huge sale" following a disappointing experience where staff allegedly "looked at" the Behind These Hazel Eyes hitmaker as if she "couldn't afford" their wares, prompting her to leave without buying anything.
- She later returns in a nicer outfit, clutching a string of shopping bags and tells the clerk who refused her service that they had made a "big mistake" and missed out on a huge commission from her.
- She said an employee there assumed she couldn’t afford the merchandise.