Boxer Manny Pacquiao issues apology after saying gay people are ‘worse than animals’
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has apologised after saying that gay people are “worse than animals”.
Since making the remarks on local television to promote his ambitions for a seat in the Philippines senate, the 37-year-old eight-time world champion has received widespread condemnation, including calls to boycott his political campaign, reports The Independent.
“It’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female,” he said on local television network TV5.
“If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals.”
Following widespread backlash, Pacquiao has since uploaded a video to his social media channels, apologising for his comments although he remains firms in his opposition to same-sex marriage.
“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt,” he writes.
“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.”
But for some supporters, the apology is too little, too late.
“You’re still a piece of trash,” writes one user.
“Saying sorry doesn’t make it okay,” writes another.
Last month, British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury was warned by the British Boxing Board of Control for making comments which included his comparison of homosexuality to paedophilia.
“Tyson Fury has made comments in the media that have caused offence to members of our society. However, there is no suggestion that he has broken the law by exercising his right to freedom of expression,” read a statement by the Board.
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