Kelly Clarkson has described an uncomfortable shopping experience at a Brooklyn boutique, claiming a shop assistant appeared to assume she could not afford the merchandise she wanted to buy.

The singer shared her account on social media, prompting reactions from fans.

The 44-year-old former American Idol winner took to X on Saturday, October 10, after travelling to the store, Art of Play, to browse its products.

“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,” Clarkson began.

She alleged that an employee looked at her as though she could not afford the items before offering to find something “comparable”.

Clarkson responded: “Wow, dude. You’re an idiot and just lost a huge sale.”

The singer compared the encounter to Pretty Woman, the 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts.

In the film, Roberts plays Vivian Ward, who faces dismissive treatment at a boutique because of her appearance.

The comparison resonated with Clarkson’s followers, with several expressing disbelief at her account. One fan wrote: “You mean to tell me the guy in the store didn’t know who Kelly Clarkson is?!”

Another commented: “If I was a salesperson and saw you come in the store, I would roll out ‘the red carpet’ treatment.”

Some people reportedly left negative reviews on the store’s Google listing following the incident.

The episode comes as Clarkson navigates changes in her professional and personal life.

She announced her departure from The Kelly Clarkson Show after seven seasons and has continued appearing as a coach on The Voice.

The singer has previously said she wants to prioritise time with her children following the death of her former husband, Brandon Blackstock, in August 2025.