Student Sues Barney’s and NYPD for Racial Profiling

A young college student discovered that racism is alive and well in high end retailing. Trayon Christian is suing Barney’s Department store and the NYPD for violating his rights after the retailer accused him of credit card fraud.

Christian, 19, went to the Madison Avenue Barney’s in NY to purchase a Ferragamo belt after spotting his favorite rapper, Juelz Santana, wearing the expensive accessory. Christian saved his money by working extra shifts at his part-time job. He was finally able to purchase the luxury $349 Salvatore Ferragamo belt, which he paid for with a debit card in his name.

But after completing the transaction, the sales rep notified security of a possible stolen credit card. The police were called and Christian was apprehended outside the store.

According to Christian:

“The detectives were asking me, ‘How could you afford a belt like this? Where did you get this money from,’” Christian told The New York Daily News. He was taken into custody, but was later released after police discovered his card was indeed real. Disgusted by the whole incident, Trayon returned the belt: “I got my money back, I’m not shopping there again,” he said. “It’s cruel. It’s racist.” Source

Barney’s plans to launch Jay Z’s Shawn Carter watch Collection during a private event on Nov. 20 in NY. I guess Barney’s only respects rappers in custom tailored suits?

Photos: Google images, Hublot