College Band Announcer Breaks Silence After He Was Slammed for Body Shaming Alabama State’s Halftime Dancers

The college band announcer who called a plus-size dance team “the new face of Ozempic” is offering an apology.

“Friendly competition and playful jesting have long been a part of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) band culture, but I have come to understand that my words crossed a line,” Joe Bullard, Florida A&M University’s longtime band announcer, wrote in a post on Facebook on Monday, Sept. 29, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. “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.”

Bullard added that he hoped those who were offended by the remarks he made on Saturday, Sept. 27 during halftime of the Florida A&M-Alabama State University football game could forgive him.

“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 wrote.

He added, “For that, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt apologies: first and foremost to the ASU Honey Beez, to Alabama State University, to the Alabama State University Marching Band, to Florida A&M University and to the fans and supporters of both institutions who were in attendance, or anyone else who heard my words. To anyone who was offended, I am truly sorry.”

Bullard’s “lighthearted banter” about the dance team was met with boos by those in the stadium, according to viral videos that captured the moment.

After his words came to light, FAMU president Marva Johnson apologized to ASU and expressed her disapproval.

“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. 

Her statement continued, “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.”

Meanwhile, ASU president Quinton Ross shared his own opinion of the controversy on the school’s Instagram account, calling 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.

For Bullard, it is unclear whether he will face further disciplinary action, administrators told the Democrat, days before the football team takes on the Mississippi Valley State in Atlanta on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Bullard remains optimistic, according to his Facebook post.

“It is my hope that we can continue to move forward together in the spirit of unity, excellence and mutual respect, regardless of the road ahead,” he wrote.