Jay Z and Barneys collaboration kick-off event canceled
theGRIO REPORT - Many called on the rapper to cut ties with the clothing establishment after two black customers say they were accused of credit card fraud and subsequently, stopped by NYPD officers...
Jay Z’s holiday collection at Barneys launched Wednesday but the kick-off event for the collaboration has been canceled.
According to WWD, the event was originally planned for Wednesday evening but a statement from luxury retailer only credits “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason.
While no other information on the event’s cancellation has yet been provided, Jay Z says he plans on continuing his collaboration with Barneys despite the heavy backlash he received after the store faced allegations of racial profiling.
Based on a decision made Friday, Jay Z and Barneys announced that 100 percent of all proceeds from the BNY SCC Gallery and Collection will be donated to the Shawn Carter Foundation, the rapper’s charitable organization aimed to providing financial help to youth in need.
Many called on the rapper to cut ties with the clothing establishment after two black customers say they were accused of credit card fraud and subsequently, stopped by NYPD officers.
The Associated Press reports that Barneys has launched an internal investigation which stated that the luxury store does not have a policy to profile customers based on race.
They also report that they did not alert nearby police officers who later questioned, arrested and detained two black customers for accusations of credit card fraud.
However, reports by the NYPD give a different account, saying they approached the customers only after they conferred with Barneys employees.
“In both instances, NYPD officers were conducting unrelated investigations and took action after conferring with Barneys employees while in their security room,” John McCarthy, the police department’s chief spokesman, said according to the AP.
A second investigation is currently being conducted, which will focus more on Barneys’ policies and any recommendations going forward.
Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works
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