Manny Pacquiao Banned From Hollywood Mall After Anti-Gay Remarks

Manny Pacquaio was scheduled to sit down for an interview with “Extra” host Mario Lopez at The Grove today, but management at the Hollywood Mall announced today that the boxing star was not welcome at The Grove due to his recent anti-gay remarks.

Management at the Grove issued a statement, saying:

“Based on news reports of statements made by Mr. Pacquiao we have made it be known that he is not welcome at The Grove and will not be interviewed here now or in the future. The Grove is a gathering place for all Angelenos and not a place for intolerance.”

Pacquaio made his anti-gay remarks in response to President Obama’s recent support of gay marriage. Pacquiao said that gay marriage is against the word of God. The boxer also quoted scripture, saying: “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”

Pacquiao tried to backtrack a little on his statement saying that he is not against gay people, he just believes that they are acting against the God’s law.

Pacquiao said:

“I only gave out my opinion that same sex marriage is against the law of God. I’m not against gay people…I have a relative who is also gay. We can’t help it if they were born that way. What I’m critical of are actions that violate the word of God.”

Gay rights advocates are most likely pleased that Pacquiao has been banned from The Grove, but several people are calling for much harsher consequences. Gay Marriage USA has started a petition to get Nike to drop Pacquiao as a client.

Do you think Nike should drop Pacquiao? Are you happy that his appearance at The Grove was cancelled?