Danielle Graves
Staff Writer
The atmosphere at an HBCU football game halftime show was drastically altered when a Florida A&M University band announcer made a derogatory remark about the Alabama State University Honey Beez dance team.
Joe Bullard, a longtime announcer for Florida A&M’s Marching 100, referred to the dance team as “the new face of Ozempic”, a drug well known for its use in treating diabetes and its ability to cause significant weight loss.
The comment, deemed offensive by many, generated a national media firestorm of negative publicity for the HBCU.
Bullard made the comment during the halftime show of FAMU’s matchup against HBCU rival ASU on Sept. 27, saying, “Congratulate them—they’re now the new face of Ozempic,” Bullard said, prompting jeers from the roughly 13,500 fans in attendance, according to a video on social media shared by theybfdailynow on Instagram.
The dance team, known for the exceptional dancing abilities of its plus-size members, has since received an apology from Bullard and the FAMU President.
The group was initially formed when band director James Oliver allowed five plus-sized young ladies to join the band during a halftime show. Their appearance created a buzz in the crowd at the end of the performance, and they’ve been a part of the ASU gameday script since then.
Bullard claims his jab was supposed to be part of the lighthearted banter that comes with the friendly competition of HBCU band culture, but he realized he had crossed a line.
Bullard’s apology posted on Facebook read in part:
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my remarks during the Florida A&M University vs Alabama State University football game this past Saturday. My comments directed toward the ASU Honey Bees were meant as lighthearted banter, but I now recognize that they came across in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful.” My intention was never to belittle or disrespect the incredible young people who represent our schools with such grace, talent, and pride. They are the embodiment of our culture, and they deserve nothing less than our full respect.”
Despite the issued apology, many argue the comment still deserves repercussions. People quickly turned to social media to share their views: while some supported the comment, others responded with intense anger.
Some of the comments included:
“Comments like this toward students in general are quite alarming, but when you are a student at an HBCU, it is a little different. HBCU students endure so much already in society against the popular reality of those who attend PWI schools” and “The comment suggests that everyone should take the drug, implying that being plus-size is undesirable. Although he may have said it jokingly, weight and body image concerns deeply affect women in general.”
ASU President Quinton T. Ross criticized Bullard for his distasteful comments about college students on social media.
“The Honey Beez, along with Mighty Marching Hornets, dedicate countless hours to their craft to deliver unforgettable, show-stopping performances that embody the pride and excellence of Alabama State University. To have their artistry disrespected after such a performance is absolutely unacceptable,” said Ross.
He added: “Honey Beez, please know that you are celebrated, valued, and admired for the joy you bring to Hornet Nation, and also for the bold and fearless way you represent the very best of ASU. Continue to shine, because your light cannot be dimmed by negativity.”
Florida State A&M President Marva Johnson spoke with Ross, guaranteeing that further actions will be taken and that this is not what FAMU supports. Ensuring that FAMU does not stand with the comment made by Bullard in reference to disrespect towards not only students, but towards anyone. HBCUs should stand together to prevent situations like this from happening.”
Regardless of where fans stand on the issue, the comment has sparked a national conversation on body positivity and image.
