Transgender man loses law suit against BET Viacom
buzzz worthy. . .
By Mona Austin
Popular blogger, B. Scott, an out transgender male has lost the law suit he filed against BET/Viacom.
Last year during the BET Awards B. Scott was hired as a red carpet correspondent, but claimed BET executives pulled him off the carpet due to his appearance, insisting that he change his attire and hair to look more masculine. He said the producers of the show knew who he was before they hired him and had already approved wardrobe choices beforehand. Scott was visibly shaken while on air and later explained to his large audience at http://www.lovebscott.com why, ultimately claiming he was a victim of discrimination. Shortly thereafter, the style/ fashion/celebrity reporter went on a media hunt and waged a 2.5 million dollar law suit against the Black Entertainment giant.
Today, the California Superior Court ruled in favor of the network. Judge Yvette Pallazuelos referred to several cases about discrimination in Hollywood where Plantiff's claims of discrimination were trumped by the creative process.
With plans to pursue the allegation in appellate court, Scott whose birth name is Brandon Sessoms said he does not feel defeated and will continue to fight for equal rights for all.
B. Scott statement:
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| B Scott at the 2013 BET Awards. |
By Mona Austin
Popular blogger, B. Scott, an out transgender male has lost the law suit he filed against BET/Viacom.
Last year during the BET Awards B. Scott was hired as a red carpet correspondent, but claimed BET executives pulled him off the carpet due to his appearance, insisting that he change his attire and hair to look more masculine. He said the producers of the show knew who he was before they hired him and had already approved wardrobe choices beforehand. Scott was visibly shaken while on air and later explained to his large audience at http://www.lovebscott.com why, ultimately claiming he was a victim of discrimination. Shortly thereafter, the style/ fashion/celebrity reporter went on a media hunt and waged a 2.5 million dollar law suit against the Black Entertainment giant.
Today, the California Superior Court ruled in favor of the network. Judge Yvette Pallazuelos referred to several cases about discrimination in Hollywood where Plantiff's claims of discrimination were trumped by the creative process.
With plans to pursue the allegation in appellate court, Scott whose birth name is Brandon Sessoms said he does not feel defeated and will continue to fight for equal rights for all.
B. Scott statement:
It’s unfortunate that Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos presiding over today’s motion failed to consider the facts in their entirety, especially pertaining to a case as unique as this one.
It disheartens me that the message sent today wasn’t a message of acceptance, but rather it’s acceptable to discriminate against transgender individuals on the basis of their gender identity and expression – and that such discriminatory acts are protected under the first amendment.
As my attorney and I seek to appeal the judges decision on the motion to strike in the California Court of Appeal, we’re continuing to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ community and to remind the world that it’s ok to be who you are.
Standing up for your rights and the rights of others can be a lengthy, uphill war. When one battle is lost, another is waged and yet we must press forward.
Although I’m saddened by what today’s verdict means for myself and other members of the LGBTQ community, the struggle is not over. I will pursue progress and human rights for our community through the Appellate Court where I hope that my unique set of circumstances and BET/Viacom’s treatment of me will collectively yield active legislation to prevent anyone else from having to suffer as I have – without networks being able to disguise their unlawful discriminatory practices with vague, umbrella terms like ‘creative privilege’.
I’m committed to change, progress, human rights and equality for all, and by no means do I feel defeated.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.
Attorney Waukeen McCoy’s statement:
Citing that the defendants have Freedom of Speech rights sends the wrong message to corporate America as to how to deal with people who are transgender. The Court expressed that there would be a problem with ‘policing’ this behavior, yet the Court ‘polices’ wrongful discriminatory conduct all the time related to employment, it’s their job to do so. This is a unique case now prime for Appellate Court review. This is not over. I dealt with wrongful decisions and appeals in the gay marriage cases (in Re Marriage), went through the legal process, and was successful in the Supreme Court of California. I am optimistic that we will win transgender rights on appeal as the law in this area is evolving.
