Kelly Clarkson's Social Media Post Damages Brooklyn Store

Kelly Clarkson's recent social media post has left a small Brooklyn-based shop reeling. Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play, was supposed to have a quiet day on Tuesday, getting stitches removed from an earlier injury.

However, he ended up answering questions about Clarkson's viral complaint instead. According to Rubin, Clarkson's post had a devastating impact on the store, likening it to being hit with a "Molotov cocktail.

The drama began when Clarkson claimed that she visited Art of Play in Brooklyn and was treated poorly by staff. She alleged that they acted as if she couldn't afford an item she wanted, drawing comparisons to the infamous Pretty Woman scene.

Rubin has a different version of events, stating that Clarkson had actually asked to buy Molly, a one-of-a-kind wooden bird automaton, which wasn't for sale at the time.

As the controversy surrounding Art of Play continues to unfold, it appears that the drama is not limited to the online world. In fact, it has spilled over into the physical streets of Brooklyn, where angry fans of Kelly Clarkson have shown up outside the store.

According to Art of Play co-owner Rubin, these protests are a direct result of Clarkson's recent social media post, which he described as like throwing a Molotov cocktail at his business. The shop sits in a relatively quiet block of Brooklyn, adjacent to a hospital and across from the busy Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

The area is part of a stretch of old buildings that had fallen into disrepair before businesses like Art of Play arrived, bringing new life to the neighborhood. However, despite its revitalization, this particular block remains somewhat isolated, with many of its older residents unaware of the online drama that has erupted.

Several nearby businesses reported that they were not aware of the protests and only became aware of the controversy through conversations with employees who worked in the area.

The controversy surrounding Kelly Clarkson's post about Art of Play has taken an unexpected turn, with the retailer's co-owner stating that it was like throwing a Molotov cocktail" at them.

As of publication, Clarkson's Instagram post has garnered over 45 million views, while Art of Play has 172,000 followers on the platform. The store's owner, Rubin, expressed surprise at the massive backlash they received after Clarkson shared her negative experience. He noted that his business relies heavily on in-person interactions with customers.

Despite receiving threats and a barrage of online hate, Rubin reported that he also received an outpouring of support from both regular customers and strangers who came to visit the store. A woman even stopped by to give him a hug, which he found particularly touching. This unexpected display of kindness has helped balance out the negative reactions.

Rubin made it clear that Art of Play would welcome Clarkson back if she chose to return, but emphasized that they treat all customers equally and expect the same treatment in return.