Culture

Barneys CEO Says Store Employees Not Responsible for Racial Profiling

Says they didn't inform police or security about any problems with purchases by black customers

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Barneys CEO Mark Lee expressed his condolences Tuesday to two customers who alleged racial profiling at his store — but said store employees were not to blame.

"No one, and I mean no individual, should go through the unacceptable experiences described by Trayon Christian and Kayla Phillips … and we offer our deepest sympathies to both," said Lee.

Christian, 19, and Phillips, 21, who are black, both accused Barneys of targeting them after they shopped at the high-end store.

Christian said that he was detained after buying a $349 designer belt in April, while Phillips said she was accused of credit card fraud after buying a $2,500 bag in February.