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Meanwhile, some black activists are putting pressure on hip-hop mogul Jay-Z to pull out of a clothing partnership with Barney’s. Critics want Jay-Z to dissolve his association with the high-end clothing store in the wake of the racial profiling allegations.

But Sharpton said Jay-Z should not be vilified.

“Some people want to make this about Jay-Z,” Sharpton said. “No, this is about Barneys first.”

Breaking his silence on the situation, Jay-Z released a statement Monday saying his collaboration with Barney’s is about his foundation, not about amassing personal wealth.

“I am not making a dime from this collection; I do not stand to make millions, as falsely reported,” Jay-Z said. “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.”

And responding to the racial profiling allegations, Jay-Z added:

“I move and speak based on facts and not emotion,” he said. “I haven’t made any comments because I am waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys. Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately?”

Give Jay-Z a break. He doesn’t deserve to be criticized for trying to help disadvantaged Americans through his non-profit foundation.

What do you think?

(Photo: AP)

ANALYSIS: Sharpton Defends Jay-Z; Will Meet With Barney’s CEO  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com

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