Former University of Georgia Football Player Gleaton Jones Dead at 21
Joe Bullard is fessing up to his fumble.
After the longtime band announcer for Florida A&M University referred to the Honey Beez, a plus-size dance team from Alabama State University, as the “face of Ozempic” during a Sept. 27 football game, he issued an apology for his ill-received comments.
“Friendly competition and playful jesting have long been a part of HBCU [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] band culture, but I have come to understand that my words crossed a line,” Bullard wrote on Facebook Sept. 29, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. “My intention was never to belittle or disrespect the incredible young people who represent our schools with such grace, talent and pride.”
He added, “They are the embodiment of our culture, and they deserve nothing less than our full respect.”
In a video of Bullard’s remarks found online, the crowd audibly booed the announcer over what he referred to in his apology as “lighthearted banter” about the dancers needing the popularized weight loss drug.
“I now recognize that they came across in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful,” the emcee continued. “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 Florida A&M University and to the fans and supporters of both institutions who were in attendance, or anyone else who heard my words.”
Marcus Ingram/Getty Images
While sharing his “hope that we can continue to move forward together,” he concluded, “To anyone who was offended, I am truly sorry.”
On the day of Bullard’s comments, Florida A&M’s president Marva B. Johnson condemned the announcer’s “offensive remark” with a strongly-worded statement.
“I extend my deepest and sincerest apologies to the Honey Beez, the Mighty Marching Hornets, [ASU] President Quinton Ross, and the entire Alabama State University community,” Johnson shared in the Facebook statement. “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.”
Johnson noted 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.
ABC
Roseanne
Roseanne is just the latest show to be yanked off the air following the actions of its star. Roseanne Barr sent a tweet comparing Valerie Jarrett to an ape, then apologized for it and claimed it was a joke. The damage was done and ABC canceled the series after just one (revived) season on the air.
Oxygen
All My Babies’ Mamas
Oxygen pulled the plug on this reality show starring Shawty Lo and his 11 children with 10 different women before it even made the air after public outcry.
CBS
Kid Nation
Survivor, but with kids. Sounds like winning TV? Sure, until CBS was accused of exploiting the participants’ welfare. The reality show was canceled.
Sussman/Invision/AP Images
Buckwild
MTV shut down the reality show Buckwild following Shain Gandee‘s death from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
HGTV
Flip It Forward
Brothers Jason and David Benham were poised to be HGTV’s next big twin stars…until their show was canceled when the network learned of the brothers’ anti-gay activist past.
TBS
The Good Life
Remember CeeLo Green’s reality show? No? Probably because it was canceled after just six episodes in 2014. The cancellation followed controversial remarks by the singer about rape on Twitter. He was also facing legal trouble.
HBO
Luck
Dustin Hoffman! HBO! Drama! All the recipes for success. However, the series was canceled in 2012 following the death of three horses during production on the series.
Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Paula Deen’s Food Network Empire
The Food Network dropped Paula Deen in 2013 following the TV personality’s admission regarding her use of the n-word.
“I have had the pleasure of being allowed into so many homes across the country and meeting people who have shared with me the most touching and personal stories. This would not have been possible without The Food Network. Thank you again. Love and best dishes to all of ya’ll,” Deen said in a statement.
Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank
The Cosby Show
While not canceled during its original run, The Cosby Show reruns were pulled by virtually every network starting in 2014 (aside from BounceTV, that came later in 2018) when rape allegations against Bill Cosby made headlines.
The WB
7th Heaven
Another show not canceled during its original run, 7th Heaven reruns were pulled after series star Stephen Collins allegedly confessed to molesting young girls. UP TV brought episodes back several months later, but then pulled them yet again.
TLC
19 Kids and Counting
In 2015, TLC pulled the plug on 19 Kids and Counting, the reality series that followed the Duggar family, after allegations of sexual abuse by Josh Duggar surfaced.
In a lengthy statement, the network said the “recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection.” TLC said it began working with victims’ rights and advocacy organizations to discuss how to use the moment to address child sexual abuse. The network worked with groups such as RAINN and Darkness to Light—and the Duggar family—for a one-hour documentary.
However, the Duggars weren’t off TLC for long. A new series, Counting On, followed the siblings—minus Josh—from 2015 to 2021.
Joey Skladany/TLC
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
A spinoff of TLC’s Toddlers and Tiaras, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo followed Alana Thompson and her family, including Mama June Shannon, dad Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson, and her three sisters. The series was a ratings hit for the network, but everything changed when reports surfaced that Mama June was dating a convicted child molester. TLC canceled the show in 2014.
“TLC has cancelled the series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and ended all activities around the series, effective immediately,” the network said in a statement. “Supporting the health and welfare of these remarkable children is our only priority. TLC is faithfully committed to the children’s ongoing comfort and well-being.”
Mama June went on to appear on Marriage Boot Camp before landing her own TV show about her weight-loss journey and her family, Mama June: From Not to Hot, in 2017.
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