Jay-Z Continues Barneys Partnership After Racial Profiling Allegations

Hip-hop icon Jay-Z is continuing his partnership with the New York department store 'Barneys', even though it is in the middle of a racial profiling saga.

The 43-year old released a second statement on Friday (Nov 15th) defending his decision to go ahead with their collaboration for the release of Jay's new clothing line.

The 'Run This Town' rapper has been under increasing pressure to drop the partnership after the store, along with 'Macy's', is under investigation for profiling their African-American customers.

"While I await the findings of the Attorney General's Office, I have agreed to move forward with the launch of BNY SCC collection under the condition that I have a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling," Jay-Z said in his statement.

Read about Kanye West accusuing 'Barney's' of racism during conert rant

The allegations began when two African-American customers were detained by police after obtaining expensive purchases last month. Jay-Z is expected to release a limited-edition brand of clothing and accessories at Barney's.

In the original statement the Brooklyn native said that 25% of all sales will go to the 'The Shawn Carter Foundation' but now his second statement reports, "it will now receive the additional 75% of Barneys' sales, totalling 100% of all sales from BNY SCC."

Jay also defended this decision because he is "in a unique position to use [his] voice to affect change to this disturbing issue."

Adding, "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."

Many people believe the rapper should end the collaboration and believe his response is a little too late.