A transgendered style expert who says BET requested that he tone down his feminine look at the network’s pre-award show last month has filed a lawsuit against the show’s parent company for discrimination, wrongful termination, and emotional distress.
B. Scott is seeking $2.5 million in damages from BET’s parent company Viacom after he was told to change his outfit at last month’s awards to a more conservative suit, wear his hair in a ponytail, and not wear heels. Scott said that even after he changed, he was still replaced by another correspondent.
BET called the situation a “misunderstanding” and said it did not intend to offend anyone.
In a statement Scott said, “Let’s be clear — I’m suing BET and Viacom for a true public apology and to be fairly remunerated for the time lost, humiliation and emotional distress this entire situation has put me through.”
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
