Kelly Clarkson spoke her mind about an evidently negative exchange at a Brooklyn store called Art of Play, and the blowback has been extensive. The 44-year-old “Miss Independent” artist started the online feud on Saturday, October 10, claiming that an employee made her feel inadequate, “like Julia Roberts‘ character in Pretty Woman.” The store responded to Kelly’s claim in a lengthy Instagram statement.

The back-and-forth has caused a social media firestorm. According to Art of Play, millions of people slammed it online; others have called out Kelly for using her platform to criticize a small business.

Here’s how it all went down.

What Did Kelly Clarkson Say About Art of Play?

Kelly tweeted her frustration on October 10 by claiming that an Art of Play employee made her feel “as if [she] couldn’t afford” a specific item.

“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 wrote. “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale. 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 👎”

Art of Play’s Response to Kelly Clarkson:

The next day, Art of Play responded to Kelly’s allegation in an Instagram statement.

“Yesterday, Kelly Clarkson visited us in Brooklyn and inquired about buying ‘Molly,’ a one-of-a-kind singing and dancing bird automaton who plays an important role in the magic shows we host here,” the store wrote in its caption. “Molly is permanently attached to the wall and isn’t for sale. However, the negative experience Kelly described on twitter would resonate with anyone who has ever felt judged in a shop.”

The post further explained that the store welcomes in customers to “pick things up and play,” whether or not someone “comes in to make a purchase or simply look around for a while.” Art of Play added that people tend to stay “for hours enjoying our puzzles, games and toys.”

“Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store,” Art of Play continued. “It’s been a surreal experience to be the focus of such widespread outrage after just one mention by a celebrity. Thanks to all our friends for their support and welcome to all the curious folks who have discovered us amidst the drama. We’re going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.'”

Kelly’s Response to Art of Play:

In response to the store, Kelly doubled down on her claims that someone at Art of Play spoke to her “in a condescending tone.” She then called the shop “a liar.”

“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 saying in a condescending tone ‘yes, it’s for sale but it costs 15,000 dollars so if you’d like me to find something comparable for you I can,'” Kelly tweeted. “That all never happened and now it’s not for sale. Okay, cool.”

The American Idol alum continued, “So you’re not only rude, you’re also a liar. Got it ✅ And by the way, I obviously support small businesses because I was literally at a small business trying to purchase things. I love small businesses and know they are important and I always support them, but you don’t get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business. It’s not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you my friend were an exception. Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you aren’t.”