Jay-Z has finally released a statement regarding the public outcry for him to end his holiday clothing line deal with Barney’s in light of the racial profiling allegations involving a black man who was targeted by the fifth avenue store after making a $350 purchase. You can catch up the full story here.
Many people took to social media to express their distaste with the flagship store and Jay-Z’s affiliation, and a petition was launched by change.org, to force Jay-Z’s hands to end his collaboration with Barney’s.
Well, Sean Carter [Jay-Z] has responded. Here’s what he had to say:
“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.”
Jay-Z brings up some great points here, and while one should never judge a situation prematurely, the public cannot simply dismiss the facts in this case. Not to mention, Barney’s public apology over the incident. While we and Jay-Z wait on the verdict of the current lawsuit of the case, the holidays will be over an Jay-Z and Barney’s will meet their partnership goals.
A Tweet, A Tweet, That’s All Folks!