If you haven't heard recently there were 2 story's on the huffington post about a young man and young woman being arrested and harassed at Barneys New York after purchasing a $400 belt and a $2500 purse. The kid made the purchase and then allegedly a sales clerk called the police and said they believed the purchase was fraudulent. 2 undercover police officers approached the kid made a statement to the effect of "How does a young black kid like yourself afford to make such an expensive purchase?" Then the kid was then hauled off to the local precinct, even after he showed identification, his debit card, and the receipt. The young woman went into Barneys made her purchase and then was accosted in the stairwell of the subway system several blocks away by 5 undercover police officers. Currently there are 3 lawsuits pending against the New York Police Department and Barney's of New York (the 3rd involves actor Rob Brown and his experience at Macys. Same situation, same response, different store.).

As soon as these stories broke JAY Z became a target for people to attack. Apparently JAY Z has a relationship with Barneys and they plan on launching a collection specifically for their store and more importantly the proceeds go to his scholarship fund for underprivileged kids. Its a great idea for a good cause. None, I REPEAT NONE OF THE MONIES GAINED FROM THE COLLECTION GO TO JAY Z HIMSELF. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND! But even that wasn't enough to quiet the masses. People were in a uproar and wanted JAY Z to immediately sever his ties with Barneys. It took JAY Z awhile to respond to his critics but he did release a statement saying the following:

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

This statement has fallen on deaf ears and people are not happy with his response. He's set to still release his collection in Barneys. Sales will speak as to how people feel. Personally I would've released a collection in like Kohls or Kmart or TJ Maxx. Somewhere that everybody can access. Most middle class citizens are not shopping at Barneys of New York, #imjussaying.

There were 2 separate incidents were 2 african americans are accusing the police department and Barneys New York of racial profiling. Sad that the world is still like this:

Trayon Christian, an african american college student from Queens saved up his money from a part time job to purchase a $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt. He went to the store made the purchase but as he walked out he was approached by 2 undercover cops. Allegedly these two undercover cops were called on by a store clerk who believed the card used was fraudulent. They asked him “How a young black man such as himself could afford to purchase such an expensive belt?” They also asked for ID and to see his debit card. They handcuff him and took him to the local precinct. Christian answered their questions and showed them his ID and card. But it was not enough. He was told that the ID was fake and the purchase was fraudulent. They also said that there was no way a young man like him can afford to purchase such an expensive belt. Christian who saved up money for the pricey accessory from his part-time job at college, said he returned the belt and never plans to shop at the Madison Avenue store again.

Example of the $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt

Earlier this year in February, another african american was allegedly racially profiled. Her name is Kayla Phillips, she was stopped in a subway shortly after purchasing a $2500 purse from the store. Kayla went to Barneys to purchase a (If I had the money I would've bought it to) orange suede Celine bag.  Kayla waited until her income tax return came in to purchase the orange suede Celine bag. She says the incident didn't occur in the store it actually happened a couple of blocks away. She was bombarded by 4 police officers, 3 male and 1 female. She claims they were hostile, rude, and very aggressive. They demanded to see her ID and her debit car, while pushing her up against the wall and just jabbing her with questions. She was confused and didn't understand what was going on.

$2,500 Suede Celine Bag

Barneys New York has released a statement about the news and the Trayon Christian situation:


Trayon Christian has a lawyer and is suing Barneys New York and the New York Police Department. Kayla Phillips also obtained a lawyer and planning on suing the New York Department.