Kelly Clarkson calls out a store after being judged and treated like Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’

Kelly Clarkson speaks up after an unpleasant shopping experience in New York City, saying a store employee appeared to assume she could not afford the items she wanted to buy. 

In a post on X on October 10, the singer recounted visiting a store in Brooklyn. She had been looking forward to checking out, only to leave disappointed by how she was treated. 

“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. 

The experience reminded Kelly of a memorable moment from the 1990 romantic comedy film Pretty Woman, in which Julia Roberts’ character, Vivian Ward, is dismissed by sales associates at a clothing store because of her appearance. 

Kelly did not hold back in expressing her frustration with the employee, writing, “Wow, dude. You’re an id*ot and just lost a huge sale,” before identifying the store in her post. 

She also sarcastically encouraged her followers to visit the establishment if they wanted to be treated like “Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman.”  

“For sure, check it out 👎,” she added. 

The comparison to Pretty Woman was particularly fitting because of one of the film’s best-known scenes. After being refused assistance while shopping, Vivian returns to the boutique dressed differently and carrying shopping bags from other stores, reminding the sales associate of the opportunity he missed. 

“Big mistake. Big. Huge,” Vivian tells the salesperson in the iconic scene. 

Kelly’s post prompted reactions from fans who echoed her criticism, with some emphasizing that respectful service should not depend on a customer’s appearance, wealth, or celebrity status. 

“People are missing the entire point. The point isn’t that the sales person should have recognized Kelly. The point is, he shouldn’t be judging anyone based on their appearance,” one user wrote. 

“I am appalled you were treated badly. Every store should treat every customer with highest regard. You never know who you are meeting and it shouldn’t matter. Sorry Kelly,” another added.  

Earlier this year, the singer and television personality announced that she would step away from hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show after seven years. The show had its final episode last August.  

At the time, Kelly explained that she wanted to prioritize her children following the death of their father, Brandon Blackstock. 

Kelly continues to appear on television as a coach on the 30th season of The Voice US, alongside Adam Levine, Queen Latifah, and Riley Green.