18 Feb 2016

Manny Pacquiao apologizes for homophobic comments, is dropped by sponsor Nike

After labeling homosexual couples worse than animals earlier this week, the Philippine boxer eventually apologized for his comments

Manny Pacquiao, the famous Philippine Boxer-turned-politician angered the LGBT community and advocates last week by saying homosexuals are worse than animals in a television interview.

Speaking to local station TV5, the boxing champion told the interviewer "It's common sense. Will you see any animals where male is to male and female is to female?"

"The animals are better. They know how to distinguish male from female. If we approve [of] male on male, female on female, then Man is worse than animals."

The 37-year-old originally seemed unrepentent, uploading an Instagram post with the caption: "I rather obey the Lord's command than obeying the desires of the flesh. I'm not condemning anyone, but I'm just telling the truth of what the Bible says."

However, on February 16 he uploaded a video apologizing for his comments.

"I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I've hurt. I still stand on my belief that I'm against same sex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I'm not condemning LGBT. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God Bless you all and I'm praying for you," the post said.

This did not stop his sponsor, Nike, from dropping him.

"We find Manny Pacquiao's comments abhorrent," said a Nike statement.

"Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community."

The sportswear company added: "We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao."