by Jay-Z will continue is designer collection partnership with Barneys despite allegations surrounding the retailer for racial profiling.
As previously reported, protesters called on the rap mogul to end his deal with the high-end retailer after two black shoppers were detained by cops and interrogated as to how they could afford to pay for the items after making expensive purchases at a New York City branch.
More than 55,000 fans signed petitions for Jay to cut ties, but in a new press release, he announced he will move forward with the project, but insist he is involved with an investigation into the racism claims.
The statement reads:
While I await the findings of the Attorney General's Office, I have agreed to move forward with the launch of (the) collection under the condition that I have a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling.
I am in a unique position to use my voice to affect change to this disturbing issue. The easy position would have been to walk away and leave policy making to others hoping that someone addresses the problem. I will not leave the outcome to others. I will take this into my own hands with full power to recommend, review and revise policies and guidelines moving forward. I am choosing to take this head on.
In addition to Jay’s new role, all proceeds from the sales of the collection will now go to his Shawn Carter Foundation, rather than the original 25 percent.
