Fashion Blogger Sues Bet Over Attire Clash, Discrimination in California

A transgendered style correspondent who says BET made him tone down his feminine look on the network’s pre-awards show last month has filed a lawsuit against the network’s parent company for discrimination, wrongful termination and emotional distress.

B. Scott, who was born Brandon Sessoms, is seeking $2.5 million in damages from BET parent company Viacom after he said he was told to change his outfit at last month’s BET Awards to a more conservative suit, tie his long hair back in a ponytail and not wear heels. The fashion blogger said that even after he changed, he was replaced by another correspondent.

“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,” he said in a statement.

BET called the incident a “misunderstanding” and said it regretted any “unintentional offense” in a statement last month.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in in Los Angeles Superior Court.