College Announcer Apologizes for Calling Dancers “Face of Ozempic”

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Joe Bullard is fessing up to his fumble.

Following a comment made during a September 27th football game, the announcer for Florida A&M University apologized. He had referred to the Honey Beez, the dance team from Alabama State University known for its plus-size members, as the “face of Ozempic”, and the comment was widely criticized. He subsequently issued an apology for the ill-received remarks.

As someone who’s spent a lot of time observing and appreciating HBCU band culture, I’ve always seen a healthy amount of spirited rivalry and good-natured teasing. However, I’ve realized that some of my recent comments went too far, as I shared on Facebook September 29th, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. Honestly, my intention was *never* to diminish or show disrespect to the amazing students who represent their schools with such grace, talent, and pride.

He stated, “These individuals truly represent who we are as a culture, and we should absolutely give them our complete respect.”

A video of Bullard’s comments circulating online shows the audience clearly disapproving of the announcer after he made what he later called “lighthearted banter” – a joke about the dancers potentially using the well-known weight loss medication.

The emcee went on to say, “I realize now that my words came across as hurtful and disrespectful. I sincerely apologize-first to the ASU Honey Beez, then to Alabama State University, the Alabama State University Marching Band, Florida A&M University, and to all the fans and supporters of both schools who were present, or anyone else who heard what I said.”

As a lifestyle expert, I always believe in fostering positive relationships, and that’s what I strive for in all my interactions. So, when things don’t go as planned, it’s important to address them directly. That’s why, with hope that we can continue to move forward together, I want to say this: to anyone who was offended by something I’ve said or done, I am truly sorry. It’s about owning up to mistakes and building stronger connections. Apologies matter, and I believe in sincere ones.

Following James Bullard’s statements, the president of Florida A&M, Marva B. Johnson, publicly denounced the announcer’s “offensive remark” in a firm and critical statement.

Expressing his hope for continued progress, he finished by saying, “I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have offended.”

As a lifestyle expert, I was following the news closely, and on the day James Bullard made his comments, I learned that Marva B. Johnson, the president of Florida A&M, quickly and rightfully condemned the announcer’s statement. She did so with a very strong statement, and I think it was important she addressed it so directly.

I want to sincerely apologize to the Honey Beez, the Mighty Marching Hornets, [ASU] President Quinton Ross, and everyone at Alabama State University,” Johnson said in a Facebook post. “The Honey Beez show discipline and pride, and people across the country respect their performances. It was wrong to undermine their hard work and talent with a careless remark, and it doesn’t represent my values or the respect I have for our colleagues at Alabama State University and the entire HBCU community.”

 

Johnson stated the university is “taking immediate steps to ensure accountability” and “prevent incidents like this in the future.”

 

Read on for other controversial comments that had major impacts. 

I want to sincerely apologize to the Honey Beez, the Mighty Marching Hornets, [ASU] President Quinton Ross, and everyone at Alabama State University,” Johnson said in a Facebook post. “The Honey Beez show discipline and pride, and people across the country admire their performances. My careless comment didn’t reflect our respect for their hard work, artistry, or for Alabama State University and the entire HBCU community.”

Johnson stated that the university is “taking immediate steps to ensure accountability” and “prevent incidents like this in the future.”

Read on for other controversial comments that had major impacts. 

Roseanne is the most recent show to be canceled because of something its lead actor did. Roseanne Barr posted a tweet that likened Valerie Jarrett to a monkey, and while she later said she was sorry and called it a joke, it was too late. ABC ended the show after only one season following its revival.

As a lifestyle expert, I remember when Oxygen decided to cancel a reality show featuring Shawty Lo and his incredibly large family – 11 children with 10 different mothers! It hadn’t even premiered yet, but there was such a strong public reaction that they ultimately pulled the plug before it could air. It was a really interesting situation, and a clear example of how public opinion can influence television.

Survivor, but with children involved. It seemed like a recipe for successful television. However, CBS faced accusations of taking advantage of the well-being of those participating, and the show was ultimately canceled.

The reality series Buckwild was cancelled by MTV after Shain Gandee tragically died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Twins Jason and David Benham were on track to become popular personalities on HGTV…but their show was canceled after the network discovered the brothers had previously been involved in activism against LGBTQ+ rights.

Do you recall CeeLo Green having a reality show? If not, that’s understandable – it was taken off the air after only six episodes in 2014. This happened after the singer made some controversial statements about rape on Twitter. He was also dealing with legal issues at the time.

Dustin Hoffman starring in an HBO drama seemed like a guaranteed hit. However, the show was unfortunately canceled in 2012 after three horses died during filming.

In 2013, the Food Network ended its relationship with Paula Deen after she publicly admitted to using a racial slur.

It’s been a wonderful experience for me to visit homes all over the country and hear deeply personal stories from the people I’ve met. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without The Food Network. Thank you once more. Sending love and my best recipes to everyone!,” Deen stated in a press release.

Okay, so The Cosby Show wasn’t *actually* canceled when it first aired, but honestly, it might as well have been! Starting around 2014, every channel just stopped showing reruns – it was awful! All because of those terrible rape allegations against Bill Cosby. It was everywhere in the news, and I couldn’t believe they pulled my favorite show! Except, thankfully, BounceTV eventually started showing them again in 2018, which was a small comfort, but it wasn’t the same.

Unlike some shows cut short, 7th Heaven continued airing for its planned duration, but reruns were stopped when Stephen Collins, one of the main actors, reportedly admitted to sexually abusing underage girls. The UP TV network briefly rebroadcast episodes a few months later, but ultimately removed them from the schedule again.

In 2015, TLC cancelled 19 Kids and Counting, the reality show documenting the Duggar family, following reports of sexual abuse involving Josh Duggar.

In a detailed statement, the network explained that the recent focus on the Duggars has started a vital discussion about protecting children. TLC stated it started collaborating with organizations dedicated to victims’ rights and advocacy to explore ways to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. The network partnered with groups like RAINN and Darkness to Light-along with the Duggar family-to create a one-hour documentary.

But the Duggars didn’t stay off TLC for very long. A new show, Counting On, featured the siblings-excluding Josh-from 2015 until 2021.

Originally a show stemming from TLC’s Toddlers and Tiaras, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo centered around Alana Thompson and her family-which included Mama June Shannon, her father Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson, and her three sisters. The series quickly became popular for the network, but faced major issues when news broke that Mama June was in a relationship with a man convicted of child abuse. As a result, TLC canceled the show in 2014.

TLC has cancelled the show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and stopped all related projects, starting right away, the network announced. “Our main focus is always the health and happiness of these amazing children,” the statement read. “TLC is dedicated to making sure the children continue to feel comfortable and are well cared for.”

Following her initial television appearances, Mama June participated in Marriage Boot Camp. This led to her own show, Mama June: From Not to Hot, which premiered in 2017 and focused on her weight loss and family life.

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2025-10-01 03:48