Manny Pacquiao apologizes for saying homosexuals are “worse than animals”

Manny Pacquiao, who is running as a candidate for the Philippines’ Senate in May, received tons of criticism after comments he made during a gay marriage debate on an election campaign TV show.

In his rant, Pacquiao said that gay couples are “worse than animals.” His rant included the following, per The Telegraph:

“Do you see animals mating with the same sex?” he continued. “Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female.

“If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals.”

Pacquiao would issue an apology in a video via Twitter:

https://twitter.com/mannypacquiao/status/699549902825590785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Pacquiao says the following in the video, according to CNN:

“I’m sorry for everyone who got hurt due to my comparison of gay people (homosexuals) to animals,” he said. “It was my mistake. Please forgive me for those who I’ve hurt.

“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.”

Prior to the Twitter video, Pacquiao posted the following photo on Instagram, with a caption that didn’t necessarily feel apologetic:

I rather obey the Lord’s command than obeying the desires of the flesh. Im 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. 1 Corinthians 6:9 “[9] Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men.” God Bless everyone i love you all. @johnnybantilan @david.sisson @jinkeepacquiao

A photo posted by Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) on Feb 15, 2016 at 7:06pm PST

Arguably the world’s most popular boxer, alongside Floyd Mayweather, Pacquiao has not been a stranger when it comes to letting people know of his disapproval of gay marriage.

“I’m not against the gay people. I’m not condemning them…I have a cousin (who is) gay. I have relatives (who are) gay. I have a lot of friends (who are) gay, so I’m not condemning gays. What I said is I’m not in favour of same-sex marriage,” Pacquiao told the Associated Press.

Pacquiao received backlash from Filipino comedian Vice Ganda, who said that Pacquiao would not be receiving his vote:

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

Needless to say, Pacquiao’s absurd views have not gone over well with people, and rightfully so. If he continues to make oppressive statements about homosexuals, he won’t need to worry about winning a Senate seat.