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.”
Impulse Group DC held “10’s Across the Board: A Celebration of 10 Years” at Bravo Bravo (1001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) on Sunday, Dec. 14. Impulse Group DC is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) and affinity group of AIDS Healthcare Foundation dedicated “to engaging, supporting, and connecting gay men” through culturally relevant health and advocacy work.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Rob Reiner, most known for directing untouchable classics like “The Princess Bride,” “Misery,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” and “Stand by Me,” died Dec. 14 alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in their Los Angeles residence. While investigations are actively underway, sources have told PEOPLE Magazine that the pair’s son, Nick Reiner, killed his parents and has been taken into custody.
Reiner was a master of every genre, from the romantic comedy to the psychological thriller to the coming-of-age buddy movie. But in addition to his renowned work that made him a household name, Reiner is also remembered as a true advocate for the LGBTQ community. In 2009, Reiner and his wife co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights, helping fight against California’s Prop 8 same-sex marriage ban. They were honored at the 2015 Human Rights Campaign Las Vegas Gala.
In a statement, HRC President Kelley Robinson said: “The entire HRC family is devastated by the loss of Rob and Michele Reiner. Rob is nothing short of a legend — his television shows and films are a part of our American history and will continue to bring joy to millions of people across the world. Yet for all his accomplishments in Hollywood, Rob and Michele will most be remembered for their gigantic hearts, and their fierce support for the causes they believed in — including LGBTQ+ equality. So many in our movement remember how Rob and Michele organized their peers, brought strategists and lawyers together, and helped power landmark Supreme Court decisions that made marriage equality the law of the land — and they remained committed to the cause until their final days. The world is a darker place this morning without Rob and Michele — may they rest in power.”
Reiner’s frequent collaborators have also spoken out as the industry is in mourning, including figures like Ron Howard and John Cusack.
A joint statement from Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest (who starred in Reiner’s “This is Spinal Tap”) reads: “Christopher and I are numb and sad and shocked about the violent, tragic deaths of our dear friends Rob and Michele Singer Reiner and our ONLY focus and care right now is for their children and immediate families and we will offer all support possible to help them. There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage, and their global care for a world in crisis. We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve.”
While attending the 2019 HRC Los Angeles Dinner, Reiner spoke out about the need for equality: “We have to move past singling out transgender, LGBTQ, black, white, Jewish, Muslim, Latino. We have to get way past that and start accepting the idea that we’re all human beings. We’re all human beings, we all share the same planet, and we should all have the same rights, period. It’s no more complicated than that.”
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington perform “The Holiday Show” at Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). Visit gmcw.org for tickets and showtimes.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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