Jay Z is facing heavy backlash over his partnership with Barney’s. After two young blacks, Trayon Christian and Kayla Phillips, were racially profiled at Barney’s, individuals on social media challenged Jay Z to step away from his deal with the store. Jay Z recently signed with Barney’s to feature items inspired by the rapper such as a $70 T-shirt, $675 rain coat, $2,500 bag and $33,900 Hublot watch. The items are available for purchase on Nov. 20. But Jay Z’s core fans want the Brooklyn born rapper to think twice about the deal. In April, Christian was racially profiled and arrested for purchasing a $350 belt from Barney’s. In Feb., Phillips was stopped by police after purchasing a $2,500 purse. Several celebrities such as Questlove and Star Jones tweeted about possibly boycotting Barney’s and a petition has been created on Change.org called “New Slaves.” Jay Z has yet to respond, but Twitter users have tweeted their opinions. Read a few below:
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? — Eric D. Washington (@1ShadeofBlack) October 24, 2013
This is why Harry Belefonte gets at you Jay Z…totally forgot about your link w Barneys. This is the time to use your status! — evie730 (@evie730) October 25, 2013
I wonder how many rappers are gonna keep making racist companies like Barneys rich? Jay Z had the hood going broke buying Cristal piss. Smh — Blaq Ninja BARTENDAZ (@Blaq_Ninja) October 23, 2013
Now I have to boycott Barneys! Sorry Jay-Z, you picked the wrong store to be in association with! I love my Bergdorf anyway! — Bossy Tionna Smalls (@TionnaSmalls) October 23, 2013
Wanting Jay Z to drop Barneys bc of the boy and the belt incident is just……
