Barneys CEO Issues Apology For Racial Profiling Incidents; Petition Urges Jay Z To Drop Partnership

Barneys New York CEO Mark Lee has issued a public apology concerning two highly publicized racial profiling incidents that occurred at the company’s flagship store.

 

 

Reports NBC News:

 

“Barneys New York believes that no customer should have the unacceptable experience described in recent media reports, and we offer our sincere regret and deepest apologies,” Lee said in an issued statement.

In addition to the apology, NBC News says that the luxury department store chain plans to hire Michael Yaki, who serves on the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights, to examine company policy for fairness and equality practices. Lee also insists that Barneys has been reaching out to the community to ”begin a dialogue on this important issue.”

It will be pretty interesting to see how the public responds to Lee’s efforts on behalf of Barneys, as petitions against the popular department store chain have already begun. Earlier today we told you that fans are urging hip hop mogul Jay Z to cut all business ties with the American retailer, as he announced that he would be partnering with the company for a limited edition holiday line. 25% of the proceeds will go to the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. A portion of the petition reads:

“We can no longer tolerate blatant prejudice and discrimination. It is clear that the minority buying power is devalued by some. We must withdraw support to those who will not support us.”

“Jay Z is currently in partnership with Barneys New York for the release of his holiday collection — called “A New York Holiday” (or BNY SCC). Barneys lacks any connection with the black and hip-hop community. And without his vast wealth and brand power, they would see him the same as they see Trayon Christian. Jay Z should be appalled by Barneys actions, and withdraw all support from them. If he does this, he will send a clear message to all corporations that are likeminded, that this behavior cannot be tolerated any longer.”

Jay has yet to publicly respond to the scandal. While Lee’s apology and reexamination of company practices could potentially be a step in the right direction, I’m not sure if it will be enough to calm the masses, since the damage appears to be done.