Shawn Jay Z Carter has been under fire for the past couple of days. People have been calling for Jay Z to halt his partnership with Barneys after two alleged incidents of racial profiling have surfaced this week. Unfortunately the hip-hop mogul has been put on blast.
His picture has even been on the cover of the New York Daily News with the headline, “Zero Respect.” Many were concerned that the rapper and business mogul wasn’t taking the allegations seriously and he should take a stand against Barneys racial profiling by cutting ties with them. Jay Z has a collection with Barneys New York where he will be selling exclusive wares.
According to Rolling Stone, the holiday collection will include a raincoat, Hublot watch, and a man’s bag. The collection will launch on November 20th.
Jay Z has been quiet but not for long. Saturday evening, he left a statement on his website, Life and Times, explaining why he has been quiet for the couple of days and explaining is partnership with Barneys.
He says,”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.”
He also explains that he didn’t make a decision or make any comments because he was waiting for the all the facts to come out.
He also questions the media about his involvement with Barneys and wonders why they are pointing the finger at him. “Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately?” The negligent and 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.”
At the end of the statement, Jay Z notes that he has also been a victim of racial profiling but he has no plans as of now to dissolve a partnership with Barneys until he gets all the facts.
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