Jay Z Responds To Backlash Regarding Barneys Collaboration Amid Racial Profiling Scandal

Jay Z has responded to the backlash surrounding his deal with Barneys, The Huffington Post reported Oct. 26.

Barneys, a luxury department store in New York, has been under intense scrutiny for alleged incidents of racial profiling. Trayon Christian came forward last week and claimed that Barneys dispatched police officers to harass him after he purchased a $349 Ferragamo belt in April. He claimed that the sops, under the direction of Barneys, believed he was a thief who could not afford the expensive gift.  He was accused of credit fraud.

Kayla Phillips also came forward and said she was similarly harassed after purchasing a $2,500 Celine handbag in February. She is suing Barneys over their actions but many expected Jay Z to respond as the allegations surfaced. The 43-year-old rap mogul has an upcoming collaboration with the store that is set to be released in November. An online petition was created to pressure him to end the partnership.

After a few days of growing criticism, Jay Z, whose real name is Shawn Cater, responded to the growing fury on Oct. 26 through his website. He felt he was being unfairly "demonized" and wanted to have all the facts before making a decision. Read his statement below.

This collaboration lives in a place of giving and is about the Foundation. I am not making a dime from this collection; I do not stand to make millions, as falsely reported. I need to make that fact crystal clear. The Shawn Carter Foundation is the beneficiary and the foundation is receiving 25% of all sales from the collaboration, 10% of all sales generated in the store on November 20th and an additional donation from Barneys. This money is going to help individuals facing socio-economic hardships to help further their education at institutions of higher learning. My idea was born out of creativity and charity... not profit.

I move and speak based on facts and not emotion. I haven't made any comments because I am waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys. Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately? The negligent, erroneous reports and attacks on my character, intentions, and the spirit of this collaboration have forced me into a statement I didn't want to make without the full facts. Making a decision prematurely to pull out of this project, wouldn't hurt Barneys or Shawn Carter, but all the people that stand a chance at higher education. I have been working with my team ever since the situation was brought to my attention to get to the bottom of these incidents and at the same time find a solution that doesn't harm all those that stand to benefit from this collaboration.

I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgements, no matter who it's towards, aren't I committing the same sin as someone who profiles? I am no stranger to being profiled and I truly empathize with anyone that has been put in that position. Hopefully this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change. - Shawn "JAY Z" Carter