# Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn store clash over social media

> Kelly Clarkson's social media clash with a Brooklyn store highlights power dynamics between celebrities and small businesses.
- Title: Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn store clash over social media
- Summary: Kelly Clarkson's social media clash with a Brooklyn store highlights power dynamics between celebrities and small businesses. Kelly Clarkson's complaint…
- Keywords: kelly clarkson, art of play, brooklyn, social media, power dynamics, celebrity influence, small business, news, india, Kelly, Clarkson, store
- Source: mint — https://livemint.com/companies/kelly-clarkson-and-a-brooklyn-store-clashed-on-social-media-behind-it-power-dynamics-loomed-11792006293278.html
- Published: 2026-10-14T19:31:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kelly clarkson, art of play, brooklyn, social media, power dynamics, celebrity influence, small business, news, india
## Kelly Clarkson and Brooklyn store clash
Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn store clashed on social media over feeling judged during a shopping interaction.

> I was looked at as if I couldn’t afford it
## Store claims item not for sale
The store initially said the mechanical bird wasn’t for sale and tried to find an alternative for Clarkson.

> The store had just lost a huge sale
## Clarkson disputes store claims
Clarkson said the store’s attempt to find an alternative was not true and named the store with a thumbs down.

> The store had just lost a huge sale
## Online backlash follows
Online comments and real-world harassment including hateful messages and a visitor showed up at the store.

> I don’t understand why these people are willing to debase themselves on behalf of a celebrity they never met
## Expert on celebrity power dynamics
Alfred Archer, a professor at Tilburg University, explains how celebrities have disproportionate influence over public opinion.

> You can’t hold the celebrity responsible for everything that their followers do
## Celebrity influence risks
Celebrities can cause harm through their words, but their influence also has positive ripples for small businesses.

> I think really the responsibility here is to use this power in a responsible way
## Social media and parasocial relationships
Social media creates one-sided connections with celebrities that lead to harsh online reactions.

> Social media has ... kind of created this false sense of reality where, I really think even the act of watching someone’s content on your phone and it looks like they’re talking directly to you
## Small business owner's perspective
The store owner says the situation is beyond what a small business can handle and hopes it doesn’t affect nearby businesses.

> This is not something that a small business owner has the capability to deal with
## Key takeaway

Kelly Clarkson's complaint about being judged at a Brooklyn store sparked online backlash and real-world harassment, showing how celebrity influence can impact small businesses.