A Brooklyn retailer is attempting to defuse a public dispute with Kelly Clarkson over a mechanical singing bird, issuing a fresh statement early Monday that characterizes the weekend confrontation as a misunderstanding.
Art of Play said the trouble began during the singer's five-minute visit on Saturday, when she inquired about a mechanical bird named Molly that is permanently affixed to the wall and not for sale, according to TMZ.com.
The store maintains that it informed Clarkson that an artist in Seattle, Bliss Kolb, owns a nearly identical bird and would be willing to sell it for $15,000. Art of Play also stated it offered to show her another singing bird crafted by a German clockmaking company, available for approximately $2,000, but she departed before viewing it, TMZ.com reported.
Clarkson initially criticized the store on Saturday, likening her experience to that of Julia Roberts' character being snubbed in the film "Pretty Woman." The store responded by asserting that Molly was not for sale, which prompted Clarkson to retort on Sunday evening, calling the owner a "liar" and insisting she had been quoted the $15,000 price and was offered a cheaper alternative, according to TMZ.com.
In its latest statement, Art of Play indicated it has contacted Clarkson directly in an effort to resolve the disagreement, adding that it wishes her well and hopes the parties will eventually be able to laugh about the episode, TMZ.com reported.
The store appears prepared to move on from the incident, though it remains to be seen whether Clarkson will reciprocate.