(The Root) — Apparently BET figured that between Paula Deen and Serena Williams, we haven't had enough unapologetic apologies this year and decided to issue one of its own.
Internet personality B. Scott recently spoke out about being forced to change his preapproved look minutes before he was scheduled to host the BET Awards preshow, having him essentially wear something less feminine. The Internet joined him in speaking out, demanding an apology from BET for its gender policing.
BET released a statement bearing something that was supposed to be an apology and an insistence that some of its best friends are LGBT. They blamed it on a "misunderstanding" between BET and B. Scott, which he vehemently denies, saying, "I want a real apology from BET. This was not a mutual misunderstanding or miscommunication." He also added on his Twitter page: "BET's non-apology statement has added more insult to inury … what they did to me was intentional."
Good for B. Scott for sticking to his guns; BET shouldn't be allowed to pass off its pandering to homophobia and transphobia so easily. "I'm sorry if you were hurt" is not an apology. "I'm sorry that I hurt you" is. Do better, BET. There's still time to get it right.
Read more at the Associated Press.
Tracy Clayton is a writer, humorist and blogger from Louisville, Ky.