Arts & Entertainment
B. Scott sues BET, Viacom for anti-LGBT discrimination
Media personality allegedly ‘yanked’ from broadcast because he wore women’s clothes
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.”
Bars & Parties
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance
Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.
Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.
The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.
Friday, January 23
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at noon at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, January 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You do not need to be a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter or the Beta Phi Omega Sorority in order to join, but they do ask that you either identify as a lesbian or are questioning that aspect of your identity. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, January 26
“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]).
Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s books are “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” by Sara Raasch and “Transgender History” by Susan Stryker. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, January 27
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Wednesday, January 28
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. 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.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. Currently, this group is a meeting place for both identities, but we realize that as time passes, the groups may choose to host individual meetings.For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, January 29
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Comings & Goings
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday
Calendar: January 23-29
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