Haute 100 NY Update: Jay Z To Take on Leadership Role Surrounding Barneys Scandal

Jay-Z is continuing his partnership with Barneys, despite allegations that the New York department store engaged in racial profiling. But it seems the hip-hop mogul will only launch his holiday collection on one condition—that he has a “leadership” role in addressing the issues at hand.

“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 wrote on his website. “I am in a unique position to use my voice to affect change in this disturbing issue. 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.”

Initially, Jay Z and Barneys had planned to donate 25 percent of sales from the collection to the Shawn Carter Foundation. In light of recent controversy, the hip-hop mogul and luxury department store have agreed to donate 100 percent of profits.