By Jaia Thomas
A flowing black tunic and black heels is the crux of a lawsuit filed yesterday in the Superior Court of California by Brandon Sessoms, otherwise known as B. Scott. The lawsuit stems from Scott’s appearance as the ‘Style Stage Correspondent’ for the 2013 BET Awards 106 & Park Pre-Show on June 30, 2013. Hired to be the sole host commenting on fashion during the BET Awards pre-show activities, it was Scott’s fashion choice, a flowing black tunic and black heels, that caused the most clamor.
Related: 2013 BET Awards Arrivals
Scott wore a flowing black tunic, black pants and black heels for his red carpet appearance. Apparently BET stylists prepared him for the show and the outfit was pre-approved by producers. Furthermore, according to the lawsuit, a BET producer saw and approved the ensemble the night prior to his appearance.
During the first portion of the show, Scott appeared on-screen with his ensemble of choice. However, upon its conclusion, Scott was immediately ‘yanked’ backstage and told he wasn’t acceptable. BET executives instructed Scott to mute his makeup, pull back his hair and he was forced to remove his clothing and take off his heels, thereby completely changing his gender identification and expression. BET refused to allow him to continue presenting, replacing him instead with Adrienne Bailon. It was until the end of the show that BET allowed Scott to return with a more understated look.
Related: B.Scott and BET’s Homophobia
According to the lawsuit, no other presenters and commentators had any restrictions placed upon them during the pre-show activities. Scott argues that BET’s actions not only humiliated him but also subjected him to ridicule and unfair treatment. He has characterized BET’s actions as malicious, oppressive and despicable. His complaint rests on six causes of action, including: discrimination based on gender identity and expression as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress. Scott is requesting $2.5 million in damages.
While federal and state (California) law support the equal treatment of transgender individuals, do BET’s actions amount to $2.5 million in damages? Probably not. BET will likely settle the case before going to trial and provide a payment to Scott (in the thousands as opposed to millions). In the wake of this suit, BET will also be forced re-evaluate their policies pertaining to presenters and commentators, while also taking a more active and hands-on approach to appearance and wardrobe choices in the future.
(Photo via lovebscott.com)
Jaia Thomas is an LA-based sports and entertainment attorney. A naive of Cincinnati, Ohio, she is a graduate of Colgate University (BA), The George Washington University Law School and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. For more information: www.jathomaslaw.com or @jaiathomaslaw.
