MANILA, Philippines - Sports giant Nike has terminated its business relationship with Filipino boxing icon Rep. Manny Pacquiao following the Senatorial candidate’s derogatory remarks against gay people.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Feb 17, Nike said: “We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community. We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.”
The 37-year-old eight-time world boxing champion made the homophobic comment during an interview with Bilang Pilipino, the data-drive election coverage of TV5. Pacquiao described homosexuals as “worse than animals” when asked to give his opinion about same-sex marriage.
“Mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao,” Pacquiao said about members of the LGBT.
(Humans are worse than animals.)
Pacquiao’s controversial statement immediately caused uproar among netizens particularly among famous members and supporters of the Filipino LGBT community like Kapamilya TV host Boy Abunda, comedian Vice Ganda, singer/songwriter Aiza Seguerra, comedian John Lapuz and veteran singer Lea Salonga. International social media superstar Perez Hilton also slammed Pacquiao over his anti-gay comment.
On Tuesday, February 16, Pacquiao posted a video of him apologizing on Facebook. Wearing a Nike shirt, the two-term Congressman said: "I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt.”
Here’s a video of his apology.
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| Sports giant Nike takes a stand on the latest controversy involving former endorser Manny Pacquiao. PHOTO CREDIT: Adweek |
The 37-year-old eight-time world boxing champion made the homophobic comment during an interview with Bilang Pilipino, the data-drive election coverage of TV5. Pacquiao described homosexuals as “worse than animals” when asked to give his opinion about same-sex marriage.
“Mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao,” Pacquiao said about members of the LGBT.
(Humans are worse than animals.)
Pacquiao’s controversial statement immediately caused uproar among netizens particularly among famous members and supporters of the Filipino LGBT community like Kapamilya TV host Boy Abunda, comedian Vice Ganda, singer/songwriter Aiza Seguerra, comedian John Lapuz and veteran singer Lea Salonga. International social media superstar Perez Hilton also slammed Pacquiao over his anti-gay comment.
On Tuesday, February 16, Pacquiao posted a video of him apologizing on Facebook. Wearing a Nike shirt, the two-term Congressman said: "I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt.”
Here’s a video of his apology.
I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I've hurt. God Bless! pic.twitter.com/bqjRcWqp8R— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) February 16, 2016
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