A Florida A&M University sports commentator is getting slammed after remarks deemed as body-shaming in reference to Alabama State University’s dance team during a halftime show.

Over the weekend, HBCU pride was in full effect at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, FL, for the matchup between FAMU and ASU. According to WCTC, the atmosphere in the stadium was positive until announcer Joe Bullard made some insensitive comments toward ASU’s Honey Beez majorette dancers, the school’s renowned team of curvy dancers.

While the ladies walked off the field after performing at the halftime show, he called them “the new face of Ozempic,” which shocked the crowd.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The HONEYBEEZ (@the.asuhoneybeez)

Alabama State University’s president defended the Honey Beez

ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross released a statement on Facebook the same day expressing his disappointment with Bullard.

“Today, during the halftime show of the Alabama State University vs. Florida A&M football game, distasteful comments were made regarding our beloved Honey Beez,” his note began. “While we recognize the spirit of competition, there is no place for disparaging remarks directed at our scholars.”

In his note, Ross mentioned that he spoke with Florida A&M’s newly appointed president, Marva Johnson, as well as the commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, who both agree that the situation should not have occurred. 

Ross described the Honey Beez as a devoted group of young women who “dedicate countless hours to their craft to deliver the unforgettable, show-stopping performances that embody the pride and excellence” of ASU.

“To have their artistry disrespected after such a performance is absolutely unacceptable,” he added.

How did Florida A&M respond to Joe Bullard body-shaming the Honey Beez?

In response to the incident, Florida A&M’s newly appointed president, Marva Johnson, published her own Facebook statement.

“During the halftime of the Florida A&M University vs. Alabama State University football game, an inappropriate and offensive remark was made by a Marching 100 announcer,” she wrote. “On behalf of Florida A&M University, “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.”

“The Honey Beez represent discipline, school pride, and their performance tradition is respected across the nation,” Johnson continued. “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.”

Johnson also noted that FAMU is staying “committed to upholding the dignity and excellence that all HBCU institutions bring to the field, the classroom, and the community.”

FAMU sports announcer Joe Bullard also apologized to the Honey Beez

According to Rattler Nation, Bullard also extended an apology via a now-deleted Facebook post.

“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’s apology read, per Rattler Nation. “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 FAMU, and to the fans and supporters of both institutions.”

“Friendly competition and playful jesting have long been a part of HBCU band culture, but I have come to understand that my words crossed a line,” he added. “My intention was never to belittle or disrespect the incredible young people who represent our schools with such grace, talent, and pride.”
The post FAMU Apologizes After Backlash Against Announcer For Body Shaming Alabama State Dance Team appeared first on Blavity.



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