BET found itself in quite the shameful position this weekend after popular blogger B. Scott revealed that, after the network hired him to host their pre-awards show, they they forced him to change his clothes before he could go on camera. Fans quickly cried foul against the network and after a day of backlash, BET has now issued a public apology to B. Scott.
Yesterday afternoon, B. Scott released an open letter revealing the full story of what happened to him at the awards show.
B. Scott claimed that, although BET asked him to tone down his androgynous style for the sake of their sponsors, they pre-approved two separate looks, including the long pants and long shirt that he initially wore for the awards show.
After doing just one interview on camera, BET yanked B. Scott from the set and told him to “pull my hair back, they asked me to change my attire” into a more masculine look.
Producers then tried to replace B. Scott with Adrienne Bailon, thanks to pressure from sponsor Procter & Gamble, B. Scott was added back to the show.
“It’s not just about the fact that BET forced me to pull my hair back, asked me to take off my makeup, made me changed my clothes and prevented me from wearing a heel. It’s more so that from the mentality and environment created by BET made me feel less than and that something was wrong with who I am as a person,” B. Scott explained.
“I initially didn’t want to talk about this situation because I was truly embarrassed. But, I feel that it’s important to know that no matter how you choose to express yourself, it is okay to be who you are,” he added.
Just hours after B. Scott released his letter, BET responded with a brief apology to the blogger via the Associated Press. Despite B. Scott having thanked some members of the BET team for continuing to support him, it seems like BET isn’t willing to take responsibility for their style and inclusivity blunder. Unfortunately, it’s the viewers who will now question whether or not they can be accepted and represented on TV.
Check out BET’s brief apology below. – nicholas robinson
