BET apologies to fashion blogger over attire clash

[July 02, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- BET is apologizing to a fashion blogger who says it made him tone down his feminine look to appear on the network's pre-awards show.

The network called the incident with B. Scott, which took place before Sunday's BET Awards, a "miscommunication." On his blog Monday, Scott, who is openly gay, said he was told to change his outfit -- a flowing black tunic and black pants -- to a more conservative suit. He also said he was asked to pull his long black hair back in a ponytail and not to wear heels.

He did appear on the show, which aired just before the awards, wearing a suit with no shirt, makeup and his hair pulled back.

Scott said he was hurt and embarrassed by the situation.

"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 wrote. "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."

BET was regretful of the incident in a Monday statement to The Associated Press.

"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 statement read. "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."

Messages left Monday seeking comment from B. Scott were not immediately returned.

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Online:

http://www.bet.com/

http://www.lovebscott.com/

[Associated Press; By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY]

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