Kelly Clarkson fires back at store owner over 'rude' treatment

Kelly Clarkson has hit back at the owners of a boutique in Brooklyn, New York over the way they treated her amid a recent visit. On Saturday, the Since U Been Gone hitmaker took to Instagram to claim that a salesperson at the Art of Play dismissed her in a way similar to "Julia Roberts's character in (the 1990 movie) Pretty Woman". Later, a spokesperson for Art of Play issued a statement in which they alleged Clarkson had inquired about purchasing a bird automaton named "Molly" but the piece is "permanently attached to the wall and isn't for sale". Returning to Instagram on Sunday, the former daytime talk show host rejected the owner's "narrative". "So the whole conversation we had when I asked you if it was for sale whilst pointing to the price tag hanging on the wall with the title Singing Bird didn't happen as you, elevator-eyed me saying in a condescending tone, 'Yes, it's for sale but it costs $15,000 so if you'd like me to find something comparable for you I can.' That all never happened, and now it's not for sale. Okay, cool. So you're not only rude, you're also a liar. Got it," the 44-year-old continued. In addition, Clarkson insisted she makes a point of supporting small businesses. "I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them, but you don't get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business," she emphasised. "It's not that hard to be kind. I never blast people, but you my friend, were an exception. Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren't." The Because of You singer also reposted an image showing Molly with a $15,000 (£11,300) price tag. Accordingly, a representative for Art of Play responded again, insisting they offered Clarkson "a nearly identical automaton" for the same price or another "different singing bird automaton". "We've reached out to Kelly directly to try and clear the air. We really do wish her the best and hope that someday we can all laugh about this misunderstanding," they added.