A PR pro says Kelly Clarkson made one big mistake in her feud with a Brooklyn toy shop
PR expert Evan Nierman analyzes the public feud between Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn toy shop, suggesting Clarkson failed to manage her narrative effectively. The dispute centers on conflicting accounts of a customer service interaction.
Why it matters
Illustrates the risks of public figures using social media to air grievances against small businesses and the importance of narrative control in PR.
Kelly Clarkson hosts "The Kelly Clarkson Show." Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Kelly Clarkson publicly scolded a small business in Brooklyn after visiting the store. The store, Art of Play, responded with two public statements attempting to reframe the interaction. PR pro Evan Nierman says both parties attempted to position themselves as victims to gain sympathy. When a feud is brought into the court of public opinion, the winner isn't necessarily the one who's technically "right." It's the one who crafts the better narrative. That's the main thing that Kelly Clarkson is missing in her viral clash with a small business in Brooklyn , according to Evan Nierman, CEO of the global PR firm Red Banyan. "This is more about feelings than facts," Nierman said.
Also covering this story
11 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
New York shop says Kelly Clarkson tried to buy item not for sale, defends itself after ‘8 million’ attacks
Kelly Clarkson slams Brooklyn store over ‘Pretty Woman’ treatment
Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store snubbed her. The shop says the item she wanted wasn’t for sale.
Small business hits back after Kelly Clarkson posts scathing review
Kelly Clarkson says New York shop Art of Play treated her like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman
Kelly Clarkson Feuds With Brooklyn Store After Bad Experience
Kelly Clarkson Says NYC Store Treated Her Like Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman'
Store Responds After Kelly Clarkson Says Staff Treated Her Like Julia Roberts’ ‘Pretty Woman’ Character
Kelly Clarkson calls out Art of Play in Brooklyn over alleged snub
Kelly Clarkson fires back at New York shop as social media rages over getting ‘Pretty Woman’ treatment
Kelly Clarkson Blasts New York Store Over 'Pretty Woman Moment' - Yahoo
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in