College Band Announcer Body-Shames Dancers at Half Time

A college band announcer is facing backlash after making body–shaming comments about a university’s dance team during a recent football game. 

On Saturday, Sept. 27, Florida A&M University’s president Marva Johnson expressed her disapproval for the announcer who referred to Alabama State University’s Honey Beez, a plus-sized dance team that performs with ASU’s Mighty Marching Hornets band, as “the new face of Ozempic.” The Tallahassee Democrat identified the individual as longtime Rattlers band announcer Joe Bullard.

Ozempic is an injectable prescription medication primarily meant to treat type 2 diabetes. However, the drug has been popularized for its ability to aid in weight loss.

“I extend my deepest and sincerest apologies to the Honey Beez, the Mighty Marching Hornets, President Quinton Ross, and the entire Alabama State University community,” Johnson said of the incident. 

The comments were made during the halftime of the Florida A&M University vs. Alabama State University football game at Bragg Memorial Stadium. They have since gone viral after the exact moment was caught on camera.

“The Honey Beez represent discipline, school pride, and their performance tradition is respected across the nation. To have their dedication and artistry diminished by a thoughtless comment does not reflect the values or the respect we hold for our colleagues at Alabama State University or for the broader HBCU [Historically Black College and University] community,” Johnson’s statement continued.

The Florida A&M University’s president went on to say that she has already spoken with Alabama State University President Quinton Ross “to convey my regret and reaffirm that such comments are unacceptable and will 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,” Johnson concluded. 

In response, Ross shared a statement to the school’s Instagram account on Sunday, Sept. 28, in which he called Bullard’s comments “absolutely unacceptable.”

“While we recognize the spirit of competition, there is no place for disparaging or demeaning remarks directed at our scholars,” Ross wrote.

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He also confirmed that he personally spoke with Johnson about the situation, and then expressed his support of the Alabama State University dance team.

“Honey Beez, please know that you are celebrated, valued, and admired for the joy that you bring to the Hornet Nation, and also for the bold and fearless way you represent the very best of ASU,” Ross said. “Continue to shine, because your light cannot be dimmed by negativity.”