Media personality B. Scott, along with his attorney, Waukeen McCoy, appeared on Monday's MSNBC Live to discuss his discrimination lawsuit against BET and its parent company, Viacom, with host Thomas Roberts. It was the first time he has spoken publicly about the lawsuit since filing last week. The claim comes after he was ordered to change into men's clothing to host a red-carpet segment at this year's BET Awards show in June.
Scott, who was born male but identifies as gender-nonconforming, was wearing pants and a tunic to host the Ford Red Carpet segment before the awards show. He was forced to change clothes and remove his makeup at the last minute. Although Scott claims that he was a victim of discrimination, BET says the issue was due to a "miscommunication."
From the Huffington Post:
On Wednesday, Scott announced on his website that he is suing BET and parent company Viacom for discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.
TMZ obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed against BET. In it, the plaintiff claims he was dressed in a pre-approved black tunic and pants. After the first segment, however, he was allegedly pulled backstage, told his outfit was unacceptable and asked to change. He was later replaced by singer Adrienne Bailon, even though he changed into men's clothing.
He explained in a statement on his website that he accepts the term "transgender" and he feels his spirit lies somewhere "in between." He feels it is because of that very identity he faced discrimination.
Read more at the Huffington Post and watch the interview at MSNBC.