Kelly Clarkson is facing a costly escalation in her dispute with a Brooklyn store over a mechanical bird, with the shop now listing the bird, named “Molly,” for a staggering $15 million. The co-owner of Art of Play, Adam Rubin, has decided to put Molly up for sale amidst the ongoing viral feud with the pop star. The store’s listing now showcases Molly as “the world’s most famous singing bird automata” designed by Bliss Kolb, priced at $15,000,000.
In a bold move, Rubin has offered incentives for the sale of Molly, including giving each shop employee $15,000 and paying Kolb $1 million if the bird is purchased. The remaining funds from the sale are intended to be used for acquiring other antique automata. Despite attempts to reach Art of Play for confirmation, CBC News has not received a response.
This development marks a significant twist in a story that has captured widespread attention online. It marks a substantial increase from the $15,000 price tag Clarkson claimed to have seen during her visit to the store on October 10.
The shop owner expressed concerns about the situation, stating that Clarkson’s actions have jeopardized their staff’s safety. While the store has seen a surge in foot traffic due to the publicity, it has also faced backlash from the singer’s fans.
Footage of Clarkson’s visit to the store on October 13, captured by independent journalist Pablo Torre, shows her browsing the store before engaging with a clerk and eventually leaving without making a purchase.
The conflict began when Clarkson shared her experience at the store on social media, alleging mistreatment. The store responded, clarifying that Molly was not for sale and offering an alternative bird automaton for about $2,000. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, tensions escalated as both parties stood their ground.
The online community has been closely following the dispute, with various opinions shared on social media platforms. The incident has sparked discussions about customer service, celebrity treatment, and the importance of empathy in retail interactions.
