Joe Bullard, the longtime announcer for Florida A&M University's football team, has apologised after making an 'Ozempic' joke about Alabama State University's dance team, the Honey Beez. The comment, made during a game on 27 September, sparked widespread backlash online for being 'fatphobic' and 'disrespectful'.
Bullard referred to the plus-sized dance team as 'the new face of Ozempic', a drug typically used for Type-2 diabetes but increasingly used for weight loss. Social media users quickly condemned the remark as bodyshaming.
In a Facebook statement, Bullard said his words were meant as 'lighthearted banter' but acknowledged they were 'hurtful and disrespectful'. He apologised to the Honey Beez, both universities, and fans, adding that his intention was never to belittle the students.
Florida A&M University's president, Marva Johnson, also issued an apology, calling the comment 'thoughtless' and stating it 'does not reflect the values' of the university. She said she had personally apologised to Alabama State University's president and affirmed that such behaviour 'will not be tolerated'.
