Jay Z has issued a statement in response to criticism and a Change.org petition calling for the rapper to "end all partnerships" with Barneys New York.
The petition was created following public outrage after the news surrounding recent allegations of racial profiling at the store.
Fans have been speaking out, urging the rapper to pull his upcoming holiday collection and calling Jay Z out for staying quiet this past week regarding the matter.
Jay Z released a statement on his website, explaining his silence: "This collaboration lives in a place of giving and is about the Foundation."
I am not making a dime from this collection; I do not stand to make millions, as falsely reported. I need to make that fact crystal clear. The Shawn Carter Foundation is the beneficiary and the foundation is receiving 25% of all sales from the collaboration, 10% of all sales generated in the store on November 20th and an additional donation from Barneys. This money is going to help individuals facing socio-economic hardships to help further their education at institutions of higher learning. My idea was born out of creativity and charity… not profit.
"I move and speak based on facts and not emotion. I haven’t made any comments because I am 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 judgements, no matter who it’s towards, aren’t I committing the same sin as someone who profiles?"
"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," Jay said.