BROOKLYN, N.Y. (THECOUNT) — Kelly Clarkson says a shopping trip to a Brooklyn store left her feeling as though she had been judged by her appearance and assumed unable to afford the merchandise, prompting the Grammy-winning singer to compare the experience to Julia Roberts’ character in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman.”
Clarkson shared the complaint Saturday, October 10, in a post on X, identifying the store as Art of Play and criticizing an employee who she said offered to find her something “comparable” after apparently concluding she could not afford the items she wanted.
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“Just drove all the way to Brooklyn to check out this store I thought looked really rad and had a few things in mind to buy,” Clarkson wrote. She said she was looked at “as if I couldn’t afford it” and was offered an alternative instead.
“Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale,” she added.
Clarkson then used the comparison to “Pretty Woman,” the romantic comedy starring Roberts as Vivian Ward, a woman who is treated dismissively by a high-end boutique salesperson. After being turned away, Ward later returns to the store after shopping elsewhere, delivering the memorable line, “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”
Clarkson encouraged her followers to visit Art of Play if they wanted to experience similar treatment, adding a thumbs-down emoji to her pointed recommendation. Her post did not identify the employee by name, and her account of the interaction has not been independently established in the reporting reviewed.
Art of Play describes itself as a Brooklyn curiosity shop featuring puzzles, games, toys, books and unusual home goods. The business also operates a small theater that hosts close-up magic performances. Its retail location is at 69 Atlantic Avenue, near Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Clarkson’s criticism quickly drew attention from entertainment outlets and social media users, with reactions reflecting both support for her complaint and discussion about whether store employees would necessarily recognize a celebrity while working. The incident also revived comparisons to the famous “Pretty Woman” shopping scene, in which a customer’s perceived status influences how she is treated.
Reports published Saturday said the store had not publicly commented on the incident. Clarkson has not publicly identified the employee or provided further details about the items she had intended to purchase.
Brooklyn is one of New York City’s five boroughs, located across the East River from Manhattan. Art of Play’s shop is on Atlantic Avenue in the Brooklyn Heights area, near the waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Google Maps: Art of Play, 69 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
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