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Stefan Soderstrom/All Over Press
Rapper Jay Z leaves Riche restaurant in Stockholm arrives to Grand Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden, Friday, 25 October 2013.
Jay Z is finally rapping about Barneys.
Facing a backlash over his links to the under-fire department store, the superstar rapper insisted Saturday that he has remained silent until now because he’s been “waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys.”
“I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgments, no matter who it’s towards, aren’t I committing the same sin as someone who profiles?” Jay Z said in a statement. “I am no stranger to being profiled and I truly empathize with anyone that has been put in that position. Hopefully this brings forth a dialogue to effect real change.”
Friday, Oct. 25th 2013 front page of the New York Daily News.
RELATED: JAY Z HAS A NEW PROBLEM WITH BARNEYS DEAL
Jay Z drew ire after two black customers stepped forward this week accusing Barneys of racial profiling.
The Brooklyn-born rapper has a collection with Barneys scheduled to debut on Nov. 20.
Marcus Santos/New York Daily News
Barneys flagship store on Madison Ave.
“I am not making a dime from this collection; I do not stand to make millions, as falsely reported,” Jay Z said.
RELATED: BARNEYS ACCUSED ME OF STEALING BECAUSE I’M BLACK: TEEN
“Making a decision prematurely to pull out of this project, wouldn’t hurt Barneys or Shawn Carter, but all the people that stand a chance at higher education,” he added.” I have been working with my team ever since the situation was brought to my attention to get to the bottom of these incidents and at the same time find a solution that doesn’t harm all those that stand to benefit from this collaboration.”
Jay Z insisted the attacks against him are unfair.
“Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately?” he said. “The negligent, 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.”
