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 |
Post by Barneys New York.
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.
