Hours after getting dropped by Nike for anti-gay comments he made, Manny Pacquiao published an Instagram post that quoted several Bible verses that referenced more anti-gay sentiment. It has since been deleted:
Manny Pacquiao published a homophobic Instagram post after being dropped by Nike
Pacquiao posts, deletes Bible verse on gays 'put to death' https://t.co/AQLTk8leBn pic.twitter.com/NESigKAdFt
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 18, 2016
Leviticus 20:13 - “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”
During a television appearance on Monday, Pacquiao said, "If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals." He posted an apology subsequently on social media after making those comments. From his Facebook page:
“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt. 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.”
On Wednesday, Nike put out a statement announcing the end of their relationship, saying Pacquiao’s comments were “abhorrent.”
BREAKING: Nike has terminated its contract with Manny Pacquiao due to recent comments. Nike statement: pic.twitter.com/3xZ7e08EtU
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 17, 2016
On Thursday, Pacquiao told reporters that he “respects” Nike’s decision, per the New York Times:
“I’m not really bothered by the controversy. I’m happier because I am telling the truth,” Pacquiao said. “It is worse if we hide the truth; I am happier because a lot of people were alarmed by the truth.”
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