Joe Bullard, the longtime announcer for Florida A&M University's Marching 100 band, made a controversial remark about Alabama State University's plus-sized dance team, the Honey Beez, during a halftime show. He referred to the Honey Beez as "the new face of Ozempic," a comment that was widely perceived as body-shaming and disrespectful. Ozempic is a medication known for its use in weight loss, making the comment offensive to many. Following the backlash, Joe Bullard issued a public apology, stating that his comments were meant as lighthearted banter but acknowledged they came across as hurtful and disrespectful. He apologized directly to the Honey Beez, Alabama State University, Florida A&M University, and their communities. The presidents of both Florida A&M University and Alabama State University condemned the remark. Florida A&M President Marva Johnson emphasized the discipline and school pride represented by the Honey Beez and expressed commitment to preventing such incidents in the future. Alabama State University President Quinton Ross praised the Honey Beez for their bold and fearless representation of the university and condemned Bullard's comment as unacceptable. He encouraged the Honey Beez to continue shining despite the negativity. This incident sparked discussions about respect, inclusion, and the responsibility of public figures in collegiate spaces within the HBCU community.
