The controversy between popular blogger B. Scott and cable channel BET heated up again earlier this week when a report revealed internal emails between BET staff members showing that they didn’t want B. Scott “looking like a woman” on air during the 2013 BET Awards. Now, B. Scott has opened up about the growing controversy and BET’s false accusations about him.
The drama all began last summer when B. Scott was asked by BET as a Style Stage Correspondent for the red carpet of the BET Awards. B. Scott has claimed that his original outfit, a flowing tunic, flowing hair, heels and makeup, were all pre-approved by BET. However, after appearing in only one segment of the show, BET pulled B. Scott from the air and forced him to change in a more masculine outfit.
In August, B. Scott sued the cable channel based on gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. BET countered that the fiasco was the result of simple miscommunication, but on Thursday a TMZ report revealed that BET President Stephen Hill wrote an email to his staff saying, “I don’t want ‘looking like a woman B Scott.’ I want tempered B Scott.”
The report also revealed that, after the incident, BET staff tried to spin the story to make it look like B. Scott was pulled from the air for being drunk and late.
“The spin should be he was late for a live show and subsequently replaced and it would have been awkward in a live show to have the person assuming his role removed and him inserted.” BET executive Monique Ware wrote.
Now with B. Scott seemingly vindicated in the eyes of the public, the popular blogger has released a statement addressing the controversy and BET’s apparent character assassination.
“The leaked email exchange between BET/Viacom personnel is both shocking, and hurtful. While I’m disheartened by the blatant and intentional attempt to stifle my gender identity/expression way before the day of the event, I’m also thankful that the truth is starting to surface.
This email exchange not only corroborates everything I said to be true, but it shows that BET/Viacom tried to cover-up and spins that truth with lies.
The BET Awards 106th and Park Pre-Show was recorded in front of a live audience, media personnel, etc. — many of whom can attest to my prompt arrival and utmost professionalism.
It is a shame that a company such as BET/Viacom would rather focus energy towards slandering my reputation in an attempt to further humiliate me instead of learning from their mistakes. The time & energy spent creating a ‘spin’ could have more effectively been used to help create a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ employees.”
We could not agree more with B. Scott. It’s disheartening that with so much LGBT progress going on around us that BET, a channel built around showcasing the art and lives of minorities, felt the need to censor B. Scott’s identity. For whatever closed-minded opinion they have of the trans community and effeminate men instead of showing that they are part of the progress that so many in our nation are pushing for. – nicholas robinson
