Jay-Z released a statement on Saturday, responding to a wave of backlash brought against his imminent Barneys line after a young black man was racially profiled for buying a Salvatore Ferragamo belt at the luxury retail store.
The rapper maintained that he has kept silent until this point because he's been "waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys."
"I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgments, no matter who it's towards, aren't I committing the same sin as someone who profiles?" Jay-Z wrote in his statement. "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."
The "99 Problems" rapper has an upcoming collection with Barneys, to be released on Nov. 20. But since two black Barneys customers stepped forward this week, accusing the ready-to-wear and couture giant of profiling them based on their race, the public has urged Jay-Z to drop his collaboration with the company.
Now, it seems Jay-Z will stay true to his contract, and remain locked in the deal with Barneys. Jay, born Shawn Carter, said he will "not make a dime from this collection," and that 25 percent of the proceeds will go to The Shawn Carter Foundation.
"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," he wrote in his statement. "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."
"Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately?" he asked, insisting that the attacks brought against him weren't fair. "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."
Trayon Christian purchased a belt from Barneys, but was stopped by police officers who questioned where and how he'd gotten the money to buy such an expensive piece. Kayla Phillips came forward shortly after the event, claiming she was followed by law enforcement officials who demanded to know how she could afford the $2,500 Celine bag she'd saved up for months to buy at Barneys.
