A novelty toy and games store in Brooklyn, New York City, has become the focus of a social media storm after Grammy-winning musician Kelly Clarkson complained online about her experience.
Clarkson claimed that Art of Play would not allow her to purchase a singing and dancing mechanical bird, which she stated had a price tag of $15,000 (£11,000). She alleged she was "looked at as if I couldn't afford" the item, drawing a comparison to a scene from the film Pretty Woman.
Art of Play has defended its actions, stating that the wooden bird, named Molly, is permanently attached to the wall and is not for sale. The store claims an employee suggested an identical bird could be purchased for $15,000 and offered a different singing bird for $2,000 from a German clock-making shop.
The store's owner has reported that he and his staff have faced threats and harassment since Clarkson's complaint, telling CBS News that the singer had endangered them. Surveillance video purporting to show Clarkson's visit to the store has also been released by a news outlet.