Despite controversy, Jay Z to launch line at Barneys

Music producer-singer Jay Z will launch his fashion line at Barneys despite complaints that the multi-designer store racially discriminates against its customers.

The 43-year-old, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has released a statement on his website announcing he will continue launching his line at the New York store, reports contactmusic.com.

"I am in a unique position to use my voice to affect change to this disturbing issue. The easy position would have been to walk away and leave policy making to others hoping that someone addresses the problem.

"I will not leave the outcome to others. I will take this into my own hands with full power to recommend, review and revise policies and guidelines moving forward. I am choosing to take this head on," he said.

Barneys New York Inc. and Macy's Inc. are currently being investigated by the New York state attorney general following a number of black customers complaining they were stopped by police after making expensive purchases.

The stores have been ordered to provide the attorney general with information on their policies for questioning and detaining customers.

A number of celebrities have asked shoppers to boycott the store and rapper Jay-Z has been under pressure to cancel his deal with Barneys.