11 October,2026 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kelly Clarkson. Pic via Instagram
Singer Kelly Clarkson has criticised a Brooklyn store after claiming an employee made assumptions about her spending power during a recent shopping trip. The singer took to X on October 11 to recount her experience at Art of Play, saying she travelled to the store with plans to make several purchases but felt judged by a staff member.
In her post, Clarkson said she had been excited to visit the shop after finding it appealing. However, she alleged that an employee treated her as though she could not afford the items she wanted and offered to find her something comparable instead.
"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 wrote.
The singer, known for hits such as Since U Been Gone, did not hold back in her response to the interaction. Addressing the employee, Clarkson wrote, "Wow, dude," before adding, "You're an idiot and just lost a huge sale."
She also encouraged her followers to visit Art of Play, though her recommendation was clearly sarcastic. "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," she wrote.
Clarkson's comparison references the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward and Richard Gere as Edward Lewis. In one of the film's best-known scenes, Vivian is dismissed by a saleswoman at an upscale Rodeo Drive boutique because of her appearance.
She later returns to the store dressed elegantly and carrying shopping bags from other retailers, confronting the employee with the now-iconic line, "Big mistake. Big. Huge."
Clarkson's post drew reactions from followers, several of whom referenced the film's memorable shopping scene. One user joked that they hoped she had revealed her identity before leaving, while another expressed disbelief that the store had failed to recognise the singer.
The incident also prompted some users to leave negative reviews on the store's Google listing, with one reviewer referencing the alleged treatment of Clarkson.
Art of Play describes itself as a destination for distinctive home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books. The Brooklyn store also has a 26-seat theatre that hosts performances by close-up magicians.
Clarkson's account has brought renewed attention to the experience of being judged by appearance while shopping, with the singer's Pretty Woman comparison giving the alleged encounter an unmistakable pop-culture reference.
