While Barneys is still reeling from accusations of racial profiling and harassment, a petition posted by Derick Bowers on Change.org is calling out the luxury clothing store in their own unique way.
Bowers’ petition puts rapper Jay Z on blast for teaming up with the store and they are selling t-shirts which replace the ‘York’ in Barneys New York with ‘Slaves.’
The appropriation of the Kanye West song “New Slaves” may be perceived as a dig at the iconic rapper or simply a clever twist on the Barney’s trademark.
According to the New York Daily News, Jay Z is under increasing pressure to disavow his relationship with Barneys after a NYC teen was arrested simply for buying a designer belt which the authorities assumed he couldn’t afford.
“If Jay Z continues to do a campaign with this racist store, he’s dirt in my book,” tweeted Michele Mimi Evans.
“Jay Z is about to launch a clothing & jewelry line at Barneys. Will Blue Ivy be racially profiled when she purchases her 1st designer bag?” added Eric Washington, also on social media.
There are already over 1,500 signatures on the online petition calling for Jay Z to end his relationship with Barneys.