Manny Pacquiao made some homophobic remarks on a Filipino television program recently, saying gay people are “worse than animals.” It’s no surprise his comments sparked massive backlash from the gay community.
CNN reports that Pacquiao said, “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.”
After making the homophobic slurs, Manny Pacquiao took to his Twitter page to apologize to those he may have hurt — kind of.
“I’m sorry for everyone who got hurt due to my comparison of gay people to animals. It was my mistake. Please forgive me for those who I’ve hurt,” Pacquiao continued.
Pacquiao on LGBT comments: I’m not condemning anyone, just telling what Bible says https://t.co/EyhM8cQgCV pic.twitter.com/v3QzxcXJga
— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) February 16, 2016
If he would’ve ended it right there, the apology might actually feel more sincere, but he decided to continue, saying “But this does not change my position against same sex marriage. That’s what I believe. My only mistake is comparing gay people to animals.”
Pacquiao’s gay slur was unacceptable, but it’s tough to believe this man had a change of heart so quickly. His words were pretty striking, and it feels like he’s just saying an apology because he needs to for his image.
The LGBT is a group of people. We are humans. But not animals. Though we’re no saints we will pray for Manny Pacquiao.
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) February 16, 2016
The Los Angeles Times reports that Manny got on Instagram to further continue the dialogue, writing “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. The truth from the Bible is what changed me from my old ways.”
Many Filipino personalities came down hard on Pacquiao, including Jose Marie Viceral, who is a popular gay comedian.
Manny said sorry. Apology accepted. But i will still not vote for him. Manny for boxing not for Senate. #Respect
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) February 16, 2016
Manny Pacquiao’s apology for calling gay people “worse than animals” has been heard loud and clear, but his stance on the issue might impact his running for Senate in the Philippines.
Manny does sit in on meetings at the Philippines’ House of Representatives, but he often has too many boxing commitments to really make common appearances.
Pacquiao should bone up on LGBT issues OR he would be left in the Dark Ages,when the barbaric & uncivilized “numbskulls” dominated d earth.
— LADLADofficial???? (@LADLADofficial) February 16, 2016
On another note, Manny has said that he plans to retire after his fight with Tim Bradley on April 9, but hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach doesn’t think this is going to happen.
“I don’t think this will be his last fight. I think he will fight in the future because I just don’t feel he’s all done. He’s always telling me before when I’m all done will you tell me,” Roach said.
“He says he’s going to retire, and maybe he will. The truth is you never know with any boxer,” Bob Arum added.
Manny Pacquiao’s boxing career is over, but whether his political career can continue will depend on how people take his apology regarding the homophobic slurs.
[Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]