Shopping While Black: Is It a Crime?
Macy's and Barneys no shows at city council retail hearing.
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Shopping While Black - In recent news, a series of lawsuits have been filed against big-name department stores Barneys and Macy’s on allegations that they discriminated against African-American customers. A Gallup poll revealed 71 percent of Blacks surveyed were dissatisfied with shopping experiences. BET.com takes a look at everyday people and celebrities who have been targets while shopping Black. – Natelege Whaley
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Actor Rob Brown Sues Macys for Wrongful Arrest - Inspired by Trayon Christian, actor Rob Brown and star of HBO’s Treme, stepped forth and filed a $5 million lawsuit against Macy’s after he said he was arrested while shopping at the flagship location in New York City in June 2013. He was led to holding cells by plainclothes officers who accused him of credit card fraud. He was released 45 minutes after being detained. Brown settled the case on July 17. (Photo: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
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Macy’s and Barneys No Show at City Council Hearing - Neither Barneys nor Macy’s sent representatives to a New York City Council meeting Wednesday that aimed to tackle the issue of racial profiling allegations against the retailers. Both companies have denied any wrongdoing and have blamed to the NYPD. In light of recent incidents, the city has given 17 major retail stores until Friday to submit information on how they handle shoppers who they suspect of stealing. (Photo: Macy's)
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Barneys Cancels Party Launching Jay Z Line - Barney's canceled the kick-off event for their collaboration line with Jay Z, who has chosen to move forward with his the company, despite allegations against the store. The event was intended to be a fundraiser for the Shawn Carter Foundation, and it was scratched because of "unforseen circumstances," according to a Barney's spokesperson. (Photos from left: Courtesy Nicholas & Lence Communications, Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
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Teen Sues Barneys After Buying $350 Belt - Trayon Christian of Queens, New York, went to Barneys in April and purchased a $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt with his debit card and ID. He was then stopped by undercover officers who were allegedly called by a Barneys sales clerk. "Christian was told that his identification was false and that he could not afford to make such an expensive purchase," said Michael Palilo, Trayon’s lawyer. (Photo: Trayon A. Christian via Facebook)
Photo By Trayon A. Christian via Facebook
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Another Young Adult Says Barneys Profiled Her - Similarly to Trayon, Kayla Phillips, 21, said she was surrounded by four undercover police officers after purchasing a $2,500 Céline bag from Barneys. She has filed a $5 million notice of claim with the intention to sue the NYPD, who she said was “very rough” in handling her. (Photo: REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)
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Al Sharpton Meets With Barneys CEO - Rev. Al Sharpton had a very "candid and open meeting" with the CEO of Barneys on Tuesday to discuss the allegations of racial discrimination brought by Christian and Phillips. Barneys has denied in a statement any wrongdoing since the accusations: "...After carefully reviewing the incident of last April, it is clear that no employee of Barneys New York was involved in the pursuit of any action with the individual other than the sale." (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
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Jay Z Brought Into Barneys Controversy - Shortly after the lawsuits, some people said Jay Z should cut ties with Barneys, who he partnered with for a holiday collection. But the rapper said he is waiting for the facts to come out. Also, the proceeds would go to his charity foundation and is not for his profit. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Samsung)
Photo By Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Samsung
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Kanye West Rants About Barneys at Concert - At a recent stop for his Yeezus tour in Las Vegas, Kanye West referenced the recent allegations against Barneys as he performed his song “New Slaves.” "That’s that racial profiling out in front of Barneys and s--t. Talking about, 'Did you steal that?'” He continued, "And it’s that rich n---a racism. That’s come in. Come in. Please buy more, please buy more. I know you just got some money and can’t wait to spend it, n-----.” (Photo by Ronin 47 / Splash News)
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Rob Brown Speaks on Lawsuit Against Macy’s and NYPD - Actor Rob Brown of HBO’s Treme has filed a lawsuit against Macy’s Department store and the NYPD for allegations that they racial profiled him while shopping. He made an appearance on CNN’s New Day Thursday to speak about the issue of shop-and-frisk. (Photo: New Day via CNN)
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