Black engineering student says he’s suing Barney’s New York for racial discrimination m

A Black college student has filed a racial-profiling lawsuit against luxury retailer Barneys New York and the New York Police Department. Trayon Christian, 19, says undercover officers handcuffed and arrested him after he purchased a $350 designer belt.

Christian filed the lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court in October 2013. He alleges that store employees questioned his ability to afford the purchase because he was a young Black man.

According to the lawsuit, the incident happened April 29, 2013, at Barneys’ Madison Avenue store. Christian purchased a Salvatore Ferragamo belt using his debit card.

Police Stopped Christian After His Purchase

Christian told the New York Daily News that he had saved money from his part-time job to buy the belt. He had also seen rapper Juelz Santana wearing the same designer accessory.

After completing the purchase, Christian left the store with his belt and receipt. However, two undercover NYPD officers stopped him several blocks away.

According to the lawsuit, officers questioned whether his debit card was legitimate. Christian showed them his identification, debit card and purchase receipt.

Nevertheless, the officers allegedly accused him of using fraudulent identification. They also questioned how a young Black man could afford such an expensive item.

Police handcuffed Christian and transported him to the 19th Precinct. He remained there for approximately two hours before authorities released him without filing criminal charges.

Christian said officers eventually contacted his bank to verify his identity and payment.

Barneys Denies Involvement in Police Stop

Christian accused Barneys and the NYPD of racial discrimination. He sought unspecified damages through the lawsuit.

However, Barneys disputed his account of the store’s involvement. A company spokeswoman told DNAinfo New York that no employee participated in anything beyond completing the sale.

The retailer also stated that it maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination.

Meanwhile, the NYPD said it was awaiting a formal copy of the lawsuit. The department also faced questions about the officers’ actions.

Christian said he returned the belt after the incident. He also made clear that he no longer wanted to shop at Barneys.