B. Scott Rejects BET Apology Over Awards Show Attire Clash

Fashion blogger B. Scott has rejected BET’s apology after the network forced him to wear a suit during its pre-awards show coverage this past weekend. The network also asked him to pull his long hair back into a ponytail.

B. Scott, who is openly gay, typically makes appearances wearing feminine attire,such as high heels and dresses. The 32-year-old tweeted that he had to make a “complete outfit change at the last min[ute].” A couple of hours later, he tweeted, “I wasn’t going to say anything but my spirit is truly hurt” and apologized if he let anybody down.

BET issued a statement apologizing to B. Scott shortly after the incident.

“BET Networks embraces global diversity in all its forms and seeks to maintain an inclusive workforce and a culture that values all perspectives and backgrounds,” the network wrote. “The incident with B. Scott was a singular one with a series of unfortunate miscommunications from both parties. We regret any unintentional offense to B. Scott and anyone within the LGBT community and we seek to continue embracing all gender expressions.”

But B. Scott said the apology was half-hearted.

“I want a real apology from BET. This was a not a mutual misunderstanding or miscommunication. I pride myself on being very professional,” he said in an interview Tuesday.

“This was my day to come out in one of the biggest days of my career and I was publicly humiliated,” he said. “I’m just hurt by it. I just want people to know that it’s ok to be who you are.”

On an open letter on his website, Love B. Scott, the blogger — whose real name is Brandon Scott — said that he previously appeared on 106 and Park twice without having any problems over his appearance. He said that he and one of the producers of the awards show agreed on an outfit the night before and she said it was acceptable. At this point, everyone had approved his outfit.

But after interviewing AJ Calloway for his first segment, B. Scott said he was “literally yanked backstage” and told his outfit “wasn’t acceptable.” He proceeded to say that someone must have made a call to have him pulled, although he was later added back to the show with singer and actress Adrienne Bailon.

“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,” he said. “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.”

What do you think of BET making B. Scott change his clothes during the 2013 BET Awards?