Kelly Clarkson risks looking like 'rich and famous prima donna' in $15K bird fight, expert says

Kelly Clarksons public dispute with a Brooklyn small business over a $15,000 mechanical bird could damage the relatable image she has built over the past two decades, a crisis PR expert warned.

"There will certainly be some naysayers who think Clarkson was acting like a rich and famous prima donna and using her platform vindictively," Steve Honig, founder of The Honig Company, told Fox News Digital. "But most people will likely think that, for the most part, she acted accordingly and in many ways was a role model for standing up for oneself."

The controversy began after Clarkson claimed she was treated like Julia Roberts character in "Pretty Woman" while shopping at Art of Play in Brooklyn.

KELLY CLARKSON'S STORE CALLOUT SHOWS THE 'POWER' OF CELEBRITY STATEMENTS: EXPERT

Clarkson said an employee appeared to judge her based on her appearance and suggested she look at "something comparable" instead of the $15,000 mechanical bird she wanted to purchase. She also called the employee an "idiot" and said the store lost a major sale.

Art of Play, which sells puzzles, games, toys, books and other specialty items, responded to Clarkson's original social media post, saying the business had been bombarded with hateful messages from "8 million people" after the singer's accusations.

"Imagine our surprise when our small local business was suddenly attacked by 8 million people who have never visited our store. Its 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 discovered us amidst the drama. Were going to keep our heads down and hopefully, we can clear things up with Kelly someday. As a talented popular singer once said what doesnt kill you makes you stronger," the store wrote on its Instagram page on Sunday afternoon.

After Art of Play's Instagram post, Clarkson responded Sunday afternoon on X and Instagram stories to the store's assertion that the mechanical bird wasn't for sale.

"Cool, cool. Sure, it wasn't for sale. That's the narrative Art of Play is gonna go with," Clarkson wrote, adding a thumbs-up emoji.

The singer continued: "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, its for sale but it costs 15,000 dollars so if youd like me to find something comparable for you I can." That all never happened and now its not for sale. Okay, cool. So youre not only rude, youre also a liar. Got it," adding a checkmark emoji.

Clarkson added: "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 dont get a free pass to treat people less than in your store just because you are a small business. Its not that hard to be kind. I never blast people but you my friend were an exception. Your store is really cool. Unfortunately, you arent."

Clarksons post also prompted criticism online, with some users accusing her of using her platform to target a small business. The store reportedly received a wave of negative Google reviews after the singe