A Brooklyn novelty shop has placed a $15 million price tag on Molly, a singing and dancing mechanical bird, following a public dispute with entertainer Kelly Clarkson that has captured widespread attention on social media platforms.
Adam Rubin, co-owner of Art of Play on Atlantic Avenue, confirmed the substantial figure during a gathering with reporters Tuesday morning outside his establishment. The announcement represents a significant shift from the store’s position just two days earlier, when management insisted the automaton bird was not available for purchase under any circumstances.
The controversy began over the weekend when Clarkson took to social media to describe what she characterized as an unwelcoming experience at the Brooklyn shop. In her account, the singer stated she had traveled a considerable distance to visit Art of Play, only to be dismissed when she inquired about purchasing the mechanical bird. Clarkson suggested she was treated as though she lacked the financial means to make such a purchase, drawing a comparison to a scene from the film “Pretty Woman.”
The store’s initial response contradicted Clarkson’s version of events. Management explained that Molly, serving as the shop’s unofficial mascot, is permanently mounted to a wall and therefore cannot be sold. The automaton remains an integral part of the store’s character and appeal.
Clarkson challenged this explanation in a subsequent post, noting that she had observed a price tag near the bird during her visit. According to the entertainer, store personnel quoted her a price of $15,000 and offered to locate a comparable item at a lower cost.
Art of Play issued a second statement Monday providing additional context. According to the shop, Clarkson’s visit lasted approximately five minutes. When she expressed interest in Molly, an employee explained that while that particular bird was not for sale, the artist who created these automatons, Bliss Kolb of Seattle, owned a nearly identical piece he would consider selling for $15,000. The store also offered to show Clarkson a different bird priced at $2,000 that could be purchased immediately, but she departed before viewing it.
The incident has generated substantial public interest. Surveillance footage from inside the store has since been obtained and circulated. Additional allegations regarding the store’s customer service practices have emerged from other sources, prompting increased scrutiny of the establishment’s interactions with visitors.
This sequence of events illustrates the speed with which private commercial transactions can become matters of public debate in the current media environment. What began as a routine customer inquiry has evolved into a story involving questions of customer service, perceived social standing, and the power of celebrity voices in shaping public perception.
The $15 million valuation announced Tuesday appears to represent either a definitive statement that Molly will remain with the store, or perhaps an acknowledgment of the publicity value the bird has now acquired. Whether any party will meet this asking price remains to be seen. What is certain is that a mechanical bird in Brooklyn has achieved a level of notoriety its creators likely never anticipated.
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