An announcer at a recent college football game has been forced to issue an apology after sparking major backlash over his 'Ozempic' joke about a rival school’s dance team.
Over the weekend (27 September), Florida A&M University took on Alabama State University at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Florida, US.
During halftime, longtime announcer for the Florida Rattlers, Joe Bullard, referred to ASU’s Honey Beez - a plus-sized dance team that performs with the school’s marching band - as 'the new face of Ozempic'.
Ozempic is a weekly injectable which is typically used to treat Type-2 diabetes, but recently, it has been used to aid in weight loss, with many celebrities and famous figures alike taking the drug.
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It didn't take long for the internet to catch light of Bullard's remarks, with many social media users calling him out for 'disrespecting' and 'bodyshaming' the dance team, as well as being 'fatphobic'.
Following the backlash, Bullard took to Facebook to claim that the comment was simply just a matter of 'playful jesting' with his intention never being ' to belittle or disrespect' the dance team.
His statement begins: "Dear ASU and FAMU, I would like to sincerely apologise for my remarks during the Florida A&M University vs. Alabama State University football game this past Saturday.
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"My comments directed toward the ASU Honey Beez were meant as lighthearted banter, but I now recognise that they came across in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful."
Bullard explained he had extended his 'deepest and most heartfelt' apologies to the ASU Honey Beez, Alabama State University, the Alabama State University Marching Band, 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," he reiterated.
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The statement continued: "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.
"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 rounded off: "As an elder who has been blessed to serve and witness the brilliance of our students for many years, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.
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. Respectfully, Joseph Bullard."
Florida A&M University’s president, Marva Johnson, has since issued a statement on the matter, openly condemning Bullard's comments.
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"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," her statement reads.
"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 community."
She explained that she had spoken to ASU's president, Quinton Ross, to personally apologise for the comments and let him know they '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's statement concluded.
Rhiannon Ingle