Brooklyn Shop Owner Says He’s “Afraid for the Safety of Our Shopkeepers” Amid Kelly Clarkson Controversy

Brooklyn Shop Owner Says He's "Afraid for the Safety of Our Shopkeepers" Amid Kelly Clarkson Controversy

Click HERE to Watch, Interview Airs Tuesday, October 13 on INSIDE EDITION

(Must Link & Credit INSIDE EDITION)

October 13, 2026 - In an exclusive interview airing tonight, INSIDE EDITION speaks with Adam Rubin, owner of Brooklyn's Art of Play, whose says his store has faced negative reviews and online backlash after Kelly Clarkson accused the shop of giving her the "Pretty Woman" treatment when she tried to buy a mechanical bird. The store says the bird is permanently attached to the wall and told her it was not for sale, but Clarkson posted a photo of it with a $15,000 price tag, accusing the shop of being rude and dishonest. Rubin denies the store was rude or dishonest. He also tells INSIDE EDITION the fallout has left him concerned for his employees' safety.

"We are afraid for the safety of our shopkeepers. Kelly Clarkson has put our store in danger," Rubin tells INSIDE EDITION. "Things changed when she used her social platform to attack us. It's social warfare."

Rubin added that he was supposed to be home recovering from skin cancer but came into the shop today to respond to the controversy. He says the store was crowded when Clarkson visited and that staff treated her like any other customer. "We treated her like a normal person. Apparently, that did not live up to her standards."

The mechanical bird remains on display at Art of Play, but the price tag has been changed to 15 million dollars. He says if someone paid $15 million, he would be willing to sell it.

Tune in to INSIDE EDITION Tuesday, October 13 for the full report.

Check local listings for times and stations in your area at www.insideedition.com.

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