Brown Sista

Best-selling novelist Terri McMillan shares her emotionally-charged testimony on the controversial BET News documentary, ‘The Down Low Exposed,’ premiering March 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. “I think that what [BET is] doing should be applauded because I think more than anything there are women out there that are victims,” the author of ‘Waiting to Exhale’ said during the one-hour news special — a probing look into the world of men with wives or girlfriends who also secretly engage in sex with other men. “I think we need to hold men accountable for their actions,” McMillan added, in what she said is her final public interview on the subject. Last year, her marriage to Jonathan Plummer publicly unraveled with a nasty divorce as a result of his admission to a secret gay life. “I think that he should be charged with attempted murder for risking my life without my knowledge or consent,” the chick-lit diva said in the documentary.

Helmed by Park Hill Entertainment President Shirley Neal, ‘Exposed’ examines this divisive subject from a variety of angles including prison sex and its impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS; the Black church; the impact of HIV and AIDS on women infected by men who hid their homosexuality; and the crucial importance of being tested for the disease. Music videos and hip-hop music runs throughout the news special, which features many unidentified men — and some groundbreaking undercover footage. “The ‘Down Low’ is one of those subjects that fascinate people. With this special, we want to hear every point of view — men who lead double-lives, their lovers, women who have been involved with them, church people, ex-cons, AIDS activists and regular folks on the street,” said BET President of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin.

J.L. King, the best-selling author of the explosive 2004 book ‘One the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of “Straight” Black Men Who Sleep with Men,’ serves as the executive producer of the documentary. He told Black Voices that BET deserves kudos for tackling the subject. “The down low subject has been featured or mentioned in over 100 news stories,” he said. “I have been interviewed and featured by all the major networks, talk shows and many news outlets abroad, but this BET special by far is the most cutting edge. BET should get an award for this documentary.” King revisits his explosive book; discusses his own life in the aftermath; and takes part in an exclusive interview with his former wife Brenda Stone-Browder, who has remarried and started a new life. “My mission is to create a movement of awareness,” he added. “This special is going to give a strong message on the importance of getting tested for HIV and the importance of taking control of your sex life, regardless of your sexual orientation.”

An encore showing is scheduled for March 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.