Manny Pacquiao rakes up anti-gay issue again. (Photo : YouTube/Boxing Now)
Having apologized for his comment that people involved same-sex marriage were "worst than animals," Filipino professional boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao has reiterated his hatred for homosexuality. Talking to media persons at his hometown General Santos, the boxer said that he still stands by what he said earlier, but admitted that comparing people to animals was wrong.
During a television interview earlier, Pacquiao had remarked that animals were superior to gay people, because they can differentiate between males and females. The boxer's bitter criticism of gays drew widespread condemnation globally and even Floyd Mayweather, who defeated the Filipino in a match last May, was vociferous against him, BBC reported.
Taken aback by the spurt in criticism, Pacquiao soon expressed his apologies on Facebook. He said that while he was regretful for hurting people and was not reviling LGBT, but he strongly stood against gay marriage. However, the remarks were enough for Nike to cancel the company's $1-million annual deal with him.
Apparently, the professional Filipino boxer, who earns millions of dollars from every fight and is currently aspiring to get a seat in the country's senate, is unfazed by the criticisms. He recently told reporters, "What I am saying is right. I mean I am just stating the truth, what the Bible says." Saying that the row did not affect him in any way, Pacquiao only acknowledged that he was wrong in comparing people to animals.
Responding to a query on the Nike sponsorship loss, Pacquiao said he would accept any decision made by Nike. At the same time, the boxer pointed out that his deal with Nike only involves his clothes for his fights. "Our contract has already ended aside from sponsoring the boxing," Life Site News quoted the boxer as saying.
Incidentally, soon after Pacquiao made the controversial remarks regarding same-sex marriage, the first condemnations came from celebrities in Manila. However, it became a global row in no time and even Pacquiao's promoter and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum distanced himself from the boxer. According to Arum, he is completely opposed to what Pacquiao has been saying. The Top Rank boss added that he is in favor of gay rights and same-sex marriage.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao plans to hang his gloves after his fight against Timothy Bradley on April. Subsequently, he plans to promote his career in politics and aspires to become the President of his country.
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