An announcer at a college football game in Florida has apologised after making a controversial remark about a rival school's plus-sized dance team. During halftime at Bragg Memorial Stadium on Saturday, as Florida A&M University faced Alabama State University, longtime announcer Joe Bullard referred to ASU's Honey Beez dance team as 'the new face of Ozempic'. Ozempic is a diabetes drug often used for weight loss.
The comment was met with swift backlash on social media, with many users accusing Bullard of fatphobia and dehumanisation. One post on X described the remark as 'disrespectful' and 'fatphobic as f***'. The incident prompted Florida A&M University's president, Marva Johnson, to issue a statement condemning the remarks and apologising to the Honey Beez and the Alabama State University community.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Bullard apologised, stating that his comment was intended as 'playful jesting' but acknowledged it crossed a line. 'My intention was never to belittle or disrespect the incredible young people who represent our schools with such grace, talent and pride,' he wrote. He asked for forgiveness and expressed hope for continued unity and mutual respect.
President Johnson confirmed she had personally apologised to Alabama State University's president, Quinton Ross, and emphasised that such behaviour would not be tolerated. 'We remain committed to upholding the dignity and excellence that all HBCU institutions bring to the field, the classroom, and the community,' her statement concluded.
