Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

B. Scott sues BET, Viacom for anti-LGBT discrimination

Media personality allegedly ‘yanked’ from broadcast because he wore women’s clothes

Published

12 years ago

on

B. Scott, gay news, Washington Blade
B. Scott, gay news, Washington Blade

B. Scott (Photo courtesy of B. Scott)

Media personality B. Scott has filed a lawsuit against Black Entertainment Television and its parent company after he was allegedly pulled from a live broadcast because his clothing and appearance were too feminine.

B. Scott, who identifies as gay and transgender, is seeking $2.5 million in damages and a public apology from BET and Viacom in a lawsuit he filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on August 6.

He first discussed his lawsuit in which he alleges, among other things, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression under California law, with MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts on Monday. B. Scott told the Washington Blade during a separate interview that producers of the red carpet segment of the BET Awards that took place in Los Angeles on June 30 had “pre-approved” both of the outfits that included a flowing black tunic and black pants he had planned to wear.

B. Scott alleges he was “literally yanked backstage” after his first segment and “told that he ‘wasn’t acceptable.’” His lawsuit further contends he was told to “mute the makeup, pull his hair back and he was forced to remove his clothing and take off his heels; thereby completely changing his gender identity and expression.”

“They forced him to change into solely men’s clothing, different from the androgynous style of dress he’s used to, which he was uncomfortable with,” it reads.

B. Scott told the Blade a representative from Proctor and Gamble, which sponsored the red carpet segment, who was on site urged BET producers to allow him to return to the show because she felt the decision to remove him was wrong. The lawsuit alleges B. Scott was added to the end of the program in “a diminished capacity” alongside singer Adrienne Bailon “only after a complete change in his wardrobe and appearance.”

“I have had experiences before where people have said and treated me in ways that I felt was because of my gender expression and/or my sexual orientation,” B. Scott told the Blade. “What’s different about this case or the situation was that it happened before a live audience. It happened in front of all of my peers.”

BET categorized the incident as “a singular one with a series of unfortunate miscommunications from both parties” in a statement it released on July 2. The network reiterated this position to the Blade earlier on Tuesday.

“BET Networks embraces global diversity in all its forms and seeks to maintain an inclusive workforce and a culture that values all perspectives and backgrounds,” it said. “We regret any unintentional offense to B. Scott and anyone within the LGBT community and we seek to continue embracing all gender expressions.”

B. Scott, who was born in Virginia and briefly lived in D.C. before moving to Los Angeles in 2005, described BET’s July 2 statement to the Blade as a “slap in the face apology.” He said his lawyer,Waukeen McCoy, has received phone calls since he filed his lawsuit from people who claim to have experienced what he described as “similar discrimination” from the network.

“Everyone has a right to express who they are on the inside or the outside,” B. Scott said. “I’m fighting for that right for people to be who they are and not to be ashamed of it and not to be ostracized or taken advantage of or abused for it or discriminated against. This is about the people who don’t have a voice.”

Related Topics:
Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Photos

PHOTOS: Whitman-Walker Gala

LGBTQ community health organization holds annual event at Ritz-Carlton

Published

22 hours ago

on

November 14, 2025

By

Whitman-Walker Health CEO Naseema Shafi speaks at the Whitman-Walker 2025 Gala on Wednesday, Nov. 14. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Whitman-Walker 2025 Gala was held at the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

Out & About

Trans Day of Resilience set for Nov. 22

Leadership brunch, ‘Chat & Chew,’ fashion show and live performances planned

Published

1 day ago

on

November 14, 2025

By

(Photo by nito/Bigstock)

Capital Pride will host the Trans Day of Resilience Leadership Brunch on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center (1827 Wiltberger Street, N.W.). For more information and to RSVP, visit this link.

There will be a Trans Day of Resilience “Community Chat & Chew” at 5 p.m., followed by an 8 p.m. fashion show and live performances at 9 p.m. at TransMission (1353 H Street, N.E.). The event is 21+. More information about the event is available on Facebook.

Continue Reading

Calendar

Calendar: November 14-20

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 day ago

on

November 14, 2025

By

Friday, November 14

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., NW. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected]. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Trade. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Women in their Twenties and Thirties will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for women living in the D.C. area. For more information join the group’s closed Facebook group. 

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Daytime Docs and Dramas Screening of ‘Summer Qamp’” at 12:30 p.m. This free event will celebrate queer youth, resilience and the power of living authentically. To RSVP, visit this link. 

Saturday, November 15

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is an outlet for people of color to come together and talk about anything that affects them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, November 16

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Salon” at 5 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. Guests are encouraged to come enjoy stimulating conversation and dining. For more details, visit Eventbrite.

Monday, November 17

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.

Tuesday, November 18

Center Bi+ Roundtable Discussion will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is a is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting. For more details, visit Facebook or Meetup. 

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Tae Kwon Do class” at 12:30. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the Center’s website. 

Wednesday, November 19

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

GoGay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Activism at Woman’s National Democratic Club” at 6 p.m. at The Whittemore House. Guests can join other activists at the WNDC for letter and postcard writing to get out the vote this fall in Virginia and other critical state races. Postcards will be written to women in rural VA and to members of Congress on Home Rule 101 in partnership with the D.C. Democrats Statehood Committee. There will be free pizza, cash bar, a fun raffle and camaraderie. More details are available on Eventbrite. 

Thursday, November 20

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

Continue Reading

Popular