Jay Z is finally responding to the outcries of racial profiling by retailer, Barneys, and his continued partnership with the upscale store and brand.
Since two young African American retailers (and a growing list of complainers) have spoken out against the clothing store for racially profiling them, Jay Z has faced pressure from the African American community to part ways with the company. The Hip Hop mogul recently partnered with the company to debut a number of merchandise, designed by the rapper, for an official November 20th release. Following these accusations Jay has released an official statement regarding the deal and the criticism he’s faced for his continued partnership.
The statement reads, “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
Do you agree or disagree with Jay Z’s reasoning for not parting ways with company?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
Source: Life + Times
5 Comments
I understand not taking action off the bat, do his own investigation. I’ll wait and see what he does later
I think that is fair – he wants to make a decision based on fact not on rumors..
Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt?! I doubt he will pull outta the deal though.
I don’t understand what people want him to do. I’m sure the contracts were signed months ago. I doubt he has any power to cancel anything. I like that he’s not giving the money to charity. I doubt he was doing that before.
He’s not gone pull out of the deal. At the end of the day, it’s an extra stream of income!