FAMU president apologizes to Alabama State after band announcer's 'disparaging' remark

Florida A&M President Marva Johnson issued a public apology Saturday, Sept. 27, to Alabama State after the school's Honey Beez - the well-known plus-sized dance team that performs with the Mighty Marching Hornets — became the target of an inappropriate remark.

After the Honey Beez left the field after their performance during halftime of the FAMU-Alabama State football game at Bragg Memorial Stadium, longtime Rattlers band announcer Joe Bullard called them "the new face of Ozempic" in reference to a prescription medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and sold for weight loss.

The incident quickly spread across social media, drawing ire and disgust.

Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. issued a statement on social media, describing the announcer's words as "short-sighted."

"While we recognize the spirit of competition, there is no place for disparaging and demeaning remarks directed at our scholars," he wrote, adding "to have their artistry disrespected after such a performance is unacceptable."

Ross also said he spoke with FAMU President Johnson and with the Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner.

Shortly after Ross' statement, Johnson issued a response and apologized to Alabama State, the Honey Beez, and Hornet Nation.

Johnson said she spoke with Ross "to convey my regret and to reaffirm that such comments are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Florida A&M University is taking immediate steps to ensure accountability within our organization and to prevent incidents like this in the future."

The letter did not elaborate further. The Democrat has reached out to Bullard for comment.

Johnson also praised the Honey Beez, calling them a team that "represents discipline, school pride, and performance tradition respected across the nation."

Many FAMU fans were also taken aback by the announcer's comment and praised Johnson for her response.

"As an HBCU grad and parent of 2 current Rattlers, one of which is a classically trained dancer, I was appalled and repulsed at the insensitive comment," one person wrote on Facebook. "Bravo to the President for issuing this apology to ASU and the Honey (Beez)."

Luther Campbell, a Miami rap legend, community activist and business, offered support for Bullard on social media and believes his friend regrets his comments.

"I stand with my friend Joe Bullard, who I've known for over 30 years," Campbell posted on Facebook Sept. 28.

"I will not forsake him in these difficult times. I know in my heart that he would take back the words he chose, and he deeply regrets them. Joe has given so much to this university and to people who look up to him around the world.

"I believe the right path forward is for Joe to publicly and directly apologize to the young ladies who did not deserve this, paired with appropriate disciplinary action — but not termination."

Alabama State beat host FAMU 41-14 in the Rattlers' SWAC opener.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU apologizes after Joe Bullard's Ozempic comment to Honey Beez