Paul Rudd peers into shop at centre of Kelly Clarkson row

Paul Rudd was photographed peering into a Brooklyn shop that has been at the centre of a row with Kelly Clarkson over a $15,000 mechanical bird.

The 57-year-old Ant-Man actor stopped outside Art of Play on Wednesday (21.10.26), looked through the window for a few moments and then continued on his way.

There is no indication he entered the business or spoke to staff, and he has not publicly commented on the dispute.

The curiosity shop, which sells toys, puzzles and unusual gifts, made headlines earlier this month when Kelly complained about the way she was treated during a visit.

The Since U Been Gone singer, 44, had travelled to Brooklyn on 10 October hoping to buy several items, including a singing and dancing bird called Molly.

She claimed an employee judged her on her appearance after she asked about the automaton's $15,000 price tag.

Clarkson said she "was looked at as if I couldn't afford it" and compared the encounter to Julia Roberts' character being snubbed in Pretty Woman.

Art of Play disputed her account, insisting the bird was attached to a wall and served as a mascot during its magic shows.

The owners said the price referred to a similar creation by Seattle artist Bliss Kolb, while staff had also offered to show her a different mechanical bird costing $2,000.

Clarkson challenged that explanation and shared a photograph of a $15,000 label displayed beside Molly.

The disagreement escalated after shop co-owner Adam Rubin spoke about the backlash his business had received.

He told New York magazine's Curbed: "This is an insane misunderstanding."

Rubin argued that the attention had brought abusive messages and disruption to the shop, though he later said Clarkson would still be welcome to return.

The story took another turn when the business announced that Molly herself could now be bought for $15 million.

Rubin said the new figure reflected the extraordinary interest in the bird, which was previously described as not for sale.

Security footage of Clarkson's visit subsequently emerged, showing her browsing with her children and speaking to a member of staff.

But the recording has no sound, so it does not settle what was said between them.

The publicity has also reached Kolb. According to The Wall Street Journal, the artist has received about 100 commission enquiries and is not taking new orders.