Boxing News, Rumors 2016: Manny Pacquiao Draws Flak after Same-Sex Marriage Comments
Filipino boxing star and politician Manny Pacquiao recently drew flak and criticisms when he told a local TV channel in a live interview that he denounces people who are in gay relationships, to an extent saying that humans are "worse than animals" because they allow the concept of same-sex marriage.
And just like every other people out there that think being in a gay relationship is beyond moral standards, he drew a lot negative response. And yes, not even a national icon and Filipino hero like Pacquiao can say what he wants in a country that is predominantly Catholic. "It's just common sense… Have you seen any animal having male-to-male or female-to-female relationships," Pacquiao asked the interviewer from TV5 Network, one of the three major television networks in the country that are fully geared up in interviewing every popular celebrity and politician running for a government seat in the upcoming May elections.
Obviously, Pacquiao's comments won't help him win a seat in the Philippine Senate, the legislative body of the national government to which "The Pacman" is campaigning to be part of.
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Of the quickest to respond to his comments on TV is a very popular comedian and TV host, who happens to be gay, Jose Marie Viceral. With a screen name "Vice Ganda," the celebrity called on all members of the gay community to withdraw and remove their support for the boxer. He posted a photo of Pope Francis with the caption:
"If a person is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?"
Another leader of the LGBT community, Danton Remoto, commented that Pacquiao should be representing everyone, not only boxers and straight people, should he wish to become a senator. He thinks that the boxer's comments epitomize his trivial knowledge and understanding of gender identity.
After thousands of backlash only several hours after the interview, it looked like Pacquiao couldn't stand the hate that was thrown at him. He never had this kind of criticism and negative response from a people that always loved and admired him for what he has done in his field. But just a few harsh words against a growing sector of society will taint his reputation, maybe for good.
He did issue his apology on his Facebook page, where the 37-year-old asked for forgiveness from the people he hurt when he compared homosexuals to animals.
