Members of the New York Police Department’s 13th Precinct have reportedly refused to attend a Christmas party tonight (Dec. 13) at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in New York, allegedly embittered over Jay’s previous accusations of racism.
The precinct’s organizing committee agreed to hold the party at Jay’s Chelsea sports club, the New York Post reported, though many officers have turned down the invite.
“It’s caused outrage, divisiveness and tremendous bitterness,” a source told the New York Post. “[Jay-Z] trashed the guys who [arrested him in 2001] as racist. And we’ve arrested bouncers at 40/40 in the past. It’s just wrong to hold it there.”Officers who arranged the party have allegedly called the opponents racists.
“That isn’t it at all. We have no problem with rappers,” the source retorted. “But the department does not condone officers patronizing establishments owned by people with criminal records. It would be the same with a place run by the Mafia.”Jay was charged with assaulting a record producer in 2000, and police again apprehended the rapper outside New York’s Club Exit in 2001 after allegedly catching his bodyguard with a loaded gun.
Following the incidents, Jay’s associates reportedly blamed the NYPD for targeting them through “racial profiling.”
Jay’s cohorts claimed the 2001 arrest was in retribution of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, who was acquitted of similar allegations.
A representative in Jay’s camp dismissed the NYPD’s disputes over the party at 40/40.
“Mr. Carter is currently preparing to take his position as president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. He hopes that everyone has a wonderful holiday whichever way they choose to celebrate.”