Jay-Z Speaks on the Barneys Incident, his Partnership and his Recent Backlash in the Press
If you don’t love Jay-Z you have to at least respect him. He is playing this entire “Barnys” fiasco like a polished professional. In case you haven’t heard of the recent incidents at Barneys, two young black people were allegedly racially profiled in their store.
The first case was a 19 year old college student, Trayon Christian who was arrested in April. He purchased a $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt and was arrested falsely for the purchase being deemed fraudulent. Barney’s released a statement claiming that the sales clerk played no part in his arrest. [more…]
The second shopper, was 21 year old Kayla Phillips who too was stopped by the police in February. She was stopped at the subway station after purchasing a $2500 Céline bag also from Barneys. Phillips was working at Home Depot at the time and pregnant with her second child. She purchased the purse with her ATM card. 
Both of these incidents have created a social media frenzy! Barney’s CEO was the first to release a statement,
Barneys New York believes that no customer should have the unacceptable experience described in recent media reports, and we offer our sincere regret and deepest apologies.
Further to our statement of yesterday, we want to reinforce that Barneys New York has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination. We are a strong proponent of equal rights and equal treatment for all human beings. Our mission is to ensure that all customers receive the highest-quality service—without exception.
To this end, we are conducting a thorough review of our practices and procedures as they relate to these matters to ensure that they reflect our continued commitment to fairness and equality. To lead this review, we have retained a civil rights expert, Michael Yaki, who also serves on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The Commission has been the nation’s watchdog for civil rights for more than 50 years. Mr. Yaki will be provided with unrestricted access to all aspects of our store operations.
In addition, Barneys New York has reached out to community leaders to begin a dialogue on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Mark Lee
CEO of Barneys New York
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
AND NOW THE LESSON
Those on social media should not be worried about Barneys but should be worried about the reason our youth feel the need to purchase a $2500 handbags, while pregnant with their second child working at Home Depot. I think that might be the bigger question. Much bigger then Jay-Z’s deal with Barneys. But what do I know.
