Longtime Florida A&M band announcer Joe Bullard has apologized for referring to Alabama State University’s plus-sized dance team, the Honey Beez, as “the new face of Ozempic” during halftime at Saturday’s football game.
Bullard addressed the incident in a Facebook post on Monday.
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my remarks during the Florida A&M University vs. Alabama State University football game this past Saturday,” he wrote. “My comments directed toward the ASU Honey Beez were meant as lighthearted banter, but I now recognize that they came across in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful.”
Bullard extended his “deepest and most heartfelt apologies” to not only the dance team, but to Alabama State’s Marching Hornets and the university as a whole. He also apologized to FAMU, his supporters and “anyone who was offended” by his rhetoric.
“Friendly competition and playful jesting have long been a part of HBCU [historically Black college and university] band culture, but I have come to understand that my words crossed a line,” he continued. “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.”
