Jay Z's new Barneys deal is damage control - it doesn't address racial profiling: lawyer

Nydailynews

Jay Z's new philanthropic deal with Barneys does not address the root problems of shop-and-frisk for African-Americans, a lawyer charged Saturday.

Michael Palillo, whose client Trayon Christian was stopped by cops after buying a $349 belt at Barneys, said the decision to donate 100% of the proceeds from Jay Z’s clothing line to aid minority students was laudable.

“Is this statement an acknowledgment that racial profiling and discrimination did occur?” the lawyer asked. “Or is this damage control?

“Will those who were falsely arrested and illegally detained solely due to the color of their skin sleep better this evening by reading Mr. Z’s comments?” he wondered.

On Friday, the hip-hop icon announced that his collection of pricey gear, watches and other items will debut as scheduled Wednesday at Barneys.