Jay Z Confirms Barneys Deal Is Still On After Racial Profiling Claims—and Now ... - E! Online

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Jay Z is still planning on taking Barneys' Benjamins.

The rapper and businessman announced today that he is moving forward with the launch of his BNY SCC line for Barneys New York amid an investigation into claims that the high-end department store engaged in racial profiling and needlessly called law enforcement on two black customers who were just going about their shopping business.

And while he's drawn heat from critics ^[1] who said that he was in a perfect posititon to take a stand against the company, Beyoncé hubby insists that walking away would have been the easy thing to do.

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In a statement posted to his Life and Times website ^[3] , the Magna Carta Holy Grail artist says that he was privy to information compiled by a third-party inquiry and, while he does not yet know the outcome of the New York State Attorney General's investigation into the incidents, he feels that he is in a "unique position" to flex his muscle with the company because he now has a leadership role 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," Jay Z stated. "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."

Not to mention, his Shawn Carter Foundation, which originally was going to receive 25 percent of sales of the BNY SCC merchandise, is now going to get 100 percent.

And if you're a Jay Z supporter, go shopping on Nov. 20, when his collection launches, because on that day Barneys is going to give 10 percent of all retail sales from Barneys.com and stores nationwide to his foundation.

Now that's showing some leadership.

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