Following an online dispute over a $15,000 mechanical bird in Brooklyn, store co-owner Adam Rubin has listed the contested automaton for $15 million, vowing to share the proceeds with employees and the artist if a buyer steps forward.
Adam Rubin Lists Molly for Fifteen Million Dollars
The novelty shop Art of Play in Brooklyn Heights has taken its viral feud with Kelly Clarkson to an extreme financial pitch. Store co-owner Adam Rubin announced that the animatronic singing bird at the heart of the controversy is now on sale for $15 million. The wooden, crank-operated figurine named Molly serves as a shop mascot and appears in magic shows in the store’s 26-seat theater.
If a buyer actually purchases Molly at that price, Rubin outlined a distribution plan. He stated that he would give $15,000 to each of Art of Play’s shopkeepers, pay the bird’s creator $1 million, and use the remaining funds to purchase an antique automaton to replace Molly.
Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn’t for sale. That’s the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with 👍 so the whole conversation we had when I asked you if it was for sale whilst pointing to the price tag hanging on the wall with the title Singing Bird didn’t happen as you elevator eyed me… pic.twitter.com/9PEhUWnIOt
Kelly Clarkson And Art of Play Clash Over Store Visit
The conflict began on Saturday, October 10, 2026, when Clarkson visited the Atlantic Avenue store. She took to social media to complain about her reception, comparing the encounter to the famous scene from the movie Pretty Woman in which Julia Roberts’ character is dismissed by a boutique salesperson.
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 and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me
Kelly Clarkson, via X
The store pushed back through statements on Instagram, explaining that Molly was permanently attached to the wall and not for sale. Art of Play noted that the employee had pointed out a $15,000 price tag belonging to a nearly identical bird owned by the Seattle artist Bliss Kolb, or alternatively offered a German-made singing bird priced at approximately $2,000 that could be taken home immediately. Clarkson rejected those explanations in a follow-up post, writing, So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar
after sharing a photograph showing a price tag next to the display. Public relations experts noted that the dispute created high risks alongside potential visibility for the independent business.
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 and literally was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it and was told he could find something comparable for me. Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a…
Threats And Hostility Hit Brooklyn Shop After Celebrity Post
The celebrity mention unleashed an intense wave of online hostility. Rubin reported that the business was bombarded by hateful messages and threatening phone calls from individuals who had never visited the store. Neighbors were reportedly doxxed, and one person entered the premises to accuse employees of racially profiling the singer, prompting a neighbor to call the police.
He characterized the public pile-on as a reprehensible abuse of power
fueled by millions of followers responding to a star’s complaint. Rubin added that the workers inside the shop are the nicest people in the world and expressed deep shock over the weekend events.
Supporters Arrive On Atlantic Avenue Despite Online Vitriol
Despite the digital vitriol, some people online expressed support for Art of Play.
Public relations professionals have analyzed the fallout. Art of Play stated that it reached out to Clarkson directly to resolve the misunderstanding, while representatives for the singer have not responded to requests for additional comment.
More on Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson fires back at Art of Play after the store claimed a $15,000 mechanical bird she wanted to buy wasn’t for sale, shares price tag photo:“So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it.” pic.twitter.com/LAfRDoYDbn
Art of Play, the store of the Kelly Clarkson saga, shares new statement:“We'd like to clarify one additional detail about Kelly Clarkson's visit to our Curiosity Shop on Saturday.During the 5 minutes she spent in the store, she inquired about our mechanical bird puppet named… pic.twitter.com/pNm4U5DeuO
Art of Play responds again to Kelly Clarkson, says she spent 5 minutes in the store:"We also offered to show her a different singing bird automaton… that she could have taken home with her that day. It costs about $2,000. She did not stick around long enough to see it. We've… pic.twitter.com/uQDR8tqZbA