When the Mic Crosses the Line: The ASU Honey Beez, Joe Bullard, and the Fight for Respect
It was supposed to be another electric halftime show , the type of performance that makes HBCU culture shine. But what should’ve ended with applause and celebration turned into a moment that stunned thousands both in the stands and online.
As the Alabama State University Honey Beez, a nationally recognized plus-size dance team, exited the field after their energetic performance against Florida A&M University, FAMU’s longtime band announcer Joe Bullard took the mic and made a comment that has since echoed far beyond the stadium:
“The new face of Ozempic.”
The remark, referencing a popular weight loss drug, drew audible gasps from the crowd. In video clips that quickly went viral, you can hear fans questioning what they just heard. What was meant to be a lighthearted halftime moment suddenly turned into a public moment of body-shaming, disrespect, and disbelief.
Almost immediately, social media lit up. Supporters of the Honey Beez and alumni from both schools expressed outrage and disappointment. Many called for Bullard to issue a public apology and for FAMU to take disciplinary action.
Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., President of Alabama State University, released a statement condemning the incident, writing, “To have their artistry disrespected after such a performance is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, FAMU President Marva Johnson quickly issued a formal apology to the ASU Honey Beez and their university, acknowledging that the comments “did not reflect the values of FAMU or the HBCU community.”
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) responded swiftly, issuing FAMU a $10,000 fine and a public reprimand, while suspending Joe Bullard for the next two football games. In its statement, SWAC reaffirmed its “zero tolerance for inappropriate conduct and invective language,” ensuring that this type of incident “will not happen again.”
Bullard himself later apologized in a Facebook post, calling his words “lighthearted banter that crossed the line.” But for many, the damage had already been done.
At first, the backlash was unified. People demanded respect for the Honey Beez, a team known for breaking barriers and proving that size has no bearing on talent, endurance, or spirit. But as the story spread, some of the online discourse began to shift.
While many continued to stand by the Honey Beez, others, mainly men, began mocking the women and minimizing the issue, arguing that “it was just a joke.”
But jokes like this aren’t harmless. They reinforce harmful stereotypes and give others permission to shame and belittle women, especially plus-size women, who dare to take up space and shine.
To understand how disrespectful that moment truly was, one only needs to witness the Honey Beez perform. Their routines require strength, stamina, coordination, and athletic precision. Every eight-count is executed with confidence and energy, and behind those high kicks and crisp turns are hours of practice, training, and teamwork.
The Honey Beez don’t just perform, they represent. They represent every young girl who’s been told she’s too big to dance, every woman who’s been body-shamed for daring to love herself publicly, and every performer who brings passion to the stage no matter her size.
This incident isn’t just about one man’s words. It’s about the responsibility of those who hold a microphone, and the impact that careless speech can have on communities who have fought hard for representation and respect.
It’s also a call to action for HBCUs and media voices alike to reaffirm their commitment to inclusion, respect, and dignity for all performers.
At its core, this moment should remind us all that being Phatabulous isn’t just about appearance, it’s about presence, pride, and power. The Honey Beez embodied all three that day. And despite the disrespect, their light still shines bright.
Because you can’t shame what was born to inspire. 💛🐝
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