People are reacting after Alabama State University’s Honey Beez, a popular plus-sized dance team, became the target of a disrespectful quip during Saturday’s football game against Florida A&M University at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

WCTV news reports, as the Honey Beez exited the field, FAMU band announcer Joe Bullard reportedly said the dancers were “the new face of Ozempic.” The remark drew mixed reactions and quickly spread across social media.

Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. admonished the comment, calling it “short-sighted” and “demeaning.” In a public statement, Ross said, “While we recognize the spirit of competition, there is no place for disparaging or demeaning remarks directed at our scholars.” Ross said he had spoken with FAMU’s president and the SWAC commissioner, who aligned with his statement. 

Ross also praised the Honey Beez and the Mighty Marching Hornets for their dedication. “Please know that you are celebrated, valued, and admired for the joy you bring to the Hornet Nation, and for the bold and fearless way you represent the very best of ASU,” he said.

FAMU President Marva Johnson later shared a public apology, calling the announcer’s words “inappropriate and offensive.” She said, “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.”

Johnson praised the Honey Beez as a team that “represents discipline, school pride, and performance tradition respected across the nation,” and pledged that FAMU would take “immediate steps to ensure accountability within our organization and to prevent incidents like this in the future.”