SPEAK ON IT: Should Jay Z DROP Partnership After Second Shopper Accuses Barneys Of RACIAL PROFILING?

Now that a second accuser has claimed racial profiling is happening at Barneys in NYC, a petition is circulating and it’s asking Jay Z to end his history-making holiday partnership with the iconic department store.  Speak on it inside…..

Famed luxury retailer Barneys, who has partnered with rapper Jay Z for a highly visible Christmas promotion called “A New York Holiday,” has sparked total outrage now that a second African American shopper this week has accused them of racial profiling.

The store made headlines this week after a black 19-year-old student and shopper named Trayon Christian, who purchased a $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt, dealt with an unfortunate situation.  He claims he was cuffed and hauled in for questioning after cops asked him questions like, "How does a young black man such as yourself afford to purchase such an expensive belt?” 

The situation happened AFTER Trayon showed his state ID to prove his identity, AFTER the bank was called to verify his bank card (and it was indeed confirmed as his), and AFTER Trayon left the store.  He says he was tracked down by "undercover cops" outside. 

Trayon returned the belt days later after being upset about the entire situation because, as he says, he did not want to be a patron of the store in any way.  He is now suing Barneys & the NYPD (and we co-sign).

Shortly after that story went viral yesterday, a black 21-year-old named Kayla Phillips revealed today that she was stopped and interrogated by plain clothec officers after purchasing a $2,500 Céline bag from Barneys in February.  Reportedly, she was chased down after leaving the store and entering the train station.

Fearing backlash, Barneys quickly issued a half-hearted statement on their Facebook page yesterday saying:

“Barneys New York typically does not comment on pending litigation. In this instance, we feel compelled to note that after carefully reviewing the incident of last April, it is clear that no employee of Barneys New York was involved in the pursuit of any action with the individual other than the sale. Barneys New York has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination and we stand by our long history in support of all human rights.”

Thanks to this non-apology, the store has been getting backlash on social media.  And there’s even a petition circulating that asks Jay Z to end his partnership with Barneys.  It reads, in part:

Recently, we have learned the shocking news that a young college student Trayon Christian (a black male) was arrested in NYC after making a $350 purchase at Barneys New York. According to The Post, following his purchase, he was stopped by police officers, allegedly called by a Barneys sales clerk, who believed the transaction was fraudulent. After hours being held in a precinct cell, Trayon was released with no charges.

Just days later, Kayla Phillips, a 21-year-old black woman, came forward with her similar story of discrimination. Kayla says that she was surrounded by police and questioned after she purchased a handbag from the store. She was also incorrectly accused of using a fraudulent card.

We can no longer tolerate blatant prejudice and discrimination. It is clear that the minority buying power is devalued by some. We must withdraw support to those who will not support us.

I’ve been a lifelong Jay Z fan. Jay Z is currently in partnership with Barneys New York for the release of his holiday collection — called "A New York Holiday" (or BNY SCC). Barneys lacks any connection with the black and hip-hop community. And without his vast wealth and brand power, they would see him the same as they see Trayon Christian. Jay Z should be appalled by Barneys actions, and withdraw all support from them. If he does this, he will send a clear message to all corporations that are likeminded, that this behavior cannot be tolerated any longer.

But….you decide.  Should Jay Z actually end his partnership witht he department store…or at least issue a statement about the business’ alleged mistreatment of these Black customers?   

Speak on it!

*UPDATE* Barneys has issued a new 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

Photo via WWD/NY Daily News

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Original Post Source – http://www.theybf.com/