Art of Play Prices Kelly Clarkson Feud Bird at $15 Million

Art of Play, a curiosity shop located in Brooklyn, has appraised the hand-cranked singing bird at the heart of its dispute with Kelly Clarkson at $15 million. Co-owner Adam Rubin informed NBC News that should the store sell the automaton, named Molly, employees would receive a $15,000 bonus, and the bird's creator, Bliss Kolb from Seattle, would earn $1 million; profits would also support a display for Molly. The conflict ignited when Clarkson claimed on X that she had a negative experience at the shop, likening it to Julia Roberts' role in "Pretty Woman." In response, Art of Play stated on Instagram that Molly is not for sale and faced backlash after Clarkson's comments. Clarkson later posted photos on Instagram Stories showing a price tag on the bird, contradicting the shop's claims. Art of Play noted it had offered Clarkson a similar automaton for $15,000 and a German model for around $2,000. Rubin remarked that online backlash began shortly after Clarkson's visit, leading to hateful remarks, phone calls, and doxxing of nearby businesses, describing it as "asymmetrical social warfare" and asserting that Clarkson should be held responsible for her actions. Clarkson has yet to respond to The Times' inquiry for comment.