Kelly Clarkson dispute: Brooklyn toy shop owner says threats followed criticism
Brooklyn toy shop owner Adam Rubin reports that his business is facing harassment and review bombing following a public dispute with singer Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson accused the store of elitist treatment, while Rubin maintains that staff treated her like any other customer.
Why it matters
This highlights the power of celebrity influence on social media and the potential for viral accusations to cause significant real-world harm to small businesses.
The owner of the Brooklyn toy shop at the centre of Kelly Clarkson’s viral Pretty Woman dispute says his business has received thousands of threats and endured days of turmoil following the singer’s criticism.
Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play, told the New York Post the controversy spiralled after Clarkson accused staff of treating her as though she could not afford a US$15,000 ($26,721) mechanical bird displayed in the store.
Rubin said what began as a misunderstanding over the one-of-a-kind automaton had escalated into online harassment, review bombing and attacks on people connected to the business.
“Everybody that comes into the store is treated the same, like a normal person,” Rubin told the publication.
“That’s what pissed her off. She didn’t get special treatment.”
Rubin said neither he nor his staff recognised Clarkson when she visited but insisted customers, whether celebrities, children or casual visitors, are treated identically.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
All of the best memes about the Kelly Clarkson drama over a fake bird
New York Store Art of Play Says Kelly Clarkson Spent 5 Minutes Inside - The Hollywood Reporter
Let’s Break Down Kelly Clarkson’s Brooklyn Toy Store Beef - The Cut
Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Art Of Play’ Bird Controversy, Explained
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