Kelly Clarkson slams Brooklyn store for treating her like Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelly Clarkson called out a Brooklyn store on X after allegedly being treated poorly during a shopping trip, comparing her experience at Art of Play to Julia Roberts' iconic character in the 1990 film ‘Pretty Woman’.

Clarkson said she had travelled to the store intending to purchase several items but felt judged by an associate.

Kelly Clarkson criticizes Art of Play after shopping experience

Clarkson shared her experience with her 8.8 million followers on X, formerly Twitter, after visiting Art of Play in Brooklyn. She explained that she had driven all the way to the store because she liked what she had seen and had several items in mind to buy.

“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,” she wrote.

The ‘American Idol’ winner then appeared to address the associate she had interacted with, expressing her frustration over the encounter. “Wow, dude,” Clarkson continued. “You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.”

She ended her post with a sarcastic recommendation for her followers, writing, “But y’all should go check out Art of Play in Brooklyn if you enjoy being treated like Julia Roberts character in Pretty Woman. For sure, check it out .”

In the film, Vivian, a Hollywood escort who falls in love with wealthy client Edward Lewis, played by Richard Gere, is initially turned away from a boutique because of her appearance. Later, she returns elegantly dressed and carrying shopping bags from other retailers. After confronting the same employee, who confirms she works on commission, Vivian delivers the famous line, “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”

According to its website, Art of Play offers a “unique collection of magical home goods, puzzles, games, toys and books” and has been described as “one of the most beautiful shops in New York City.” The store also features an intimate 26-seat theatre that hosts performances by close-up magicians from around the world.

Kelly Clarkson prioritizes her children while continuing ‘The Voice’

The shopping incident comes months after Clarkson announced her decision to step back from hosting ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ after seven seasons. In February, she revealed that she wanted to prioritise her children, daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remington Alexander, 10, following the death of their father, Brandon Blackstock.

“There have been so many amazing moments and shows over these seven seasons,” Clarkson said at the time. She also expressed gratitude to the show's band, crew, performers, fans and NBC for their support throughout its run.

“I am forever grateful and honored to have worked alongside the greatest band and crew you could hope for, all the talent and inspiring people who have shared their time and lives with us, all the fans who have supported our show and to NBC for always being such a supportive and incredible partner,” she added.

Clarkson concluded her statement by thanking viewers for making the programme part of their lives. “For now, I want to thank y’all so much for allowing our show to be a part of your lives, and for believing in us and hanging with us for seven incredible years,” she said.

The show's final episode was filmed on August 31, nearly seven years after its premiere. Clarkson continues to appear on television as a judge on the 30th season of ‘The Voice’. She serves on the judging panel alongside Adam Levine, Queen Latifah and Riley Green.