Art of Play
ON THE RECORD · 10 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity.”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play described the surreal experience of being the focus of widespread outrage after a single mention by a celebrity.
“However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop,”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play said on Instagram that the negative experience Kelly described would resonate with anyone who has felt judged in a shop.
“plays an important role in the magic shows we host here.”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play said on Instagram that the mechanical bird named Molly was not for sale because of its role in the store's magic shows.
“As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play referenced one of Clarkson's famous lyrics in its statement.
“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play described the reaction to Clarkson's post as overwhelming, saying the small business was suddenly attacked by millions.
“serves as a de facto mascot for our shop, a nearly identical automaton is owned by the creator of the machines”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-12 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play posted an additional statement saying they explained to Clarkson that Molly serves as a de facto mascot and a nearly identical automaton was available from the creator.
“all the curious folks who have discovered us amidst the drama.”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play thanked its community for support and welcomed curious people who discovered the store amid the controversy.
“We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday,”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play wrote that it hoped to clear things up with Kelly Clarkson someday.
“It costs about $2,000. She did not stick around long enough to see it. We’ve reached out to Kelly directly to try and clear the air. We really do wish her the best and hope that someday we can all laugh about this misunderstanding.”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-12 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play said the German automaton cost about $2,000 and that Clarkson did not stay to see it, and that they reached out to her directly.
“We explained all of this to Kelly Clarkson. We also offered to show her a different singing bird automaton, made by a traditional clockmaking shop in Germany, that she could have taken home with her that day,”
Art of Play · said 2026-10-12 · reported 2026-10-11
Art of Play explained on Instagram that they offered to show Clarkson a different singing bird automaton from Germany.