Former WWE wrestler and Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista has criticised Manny Pacquiao for saying homosexuals are “worse than animals”.
Speaking to TMZ at Los Angeles International Airport, the fellow Filipino criticised Pacquiao for his inflammatory remarks and revealed that his own mother is a lesbian.
“My mom happens to be a lesbian so I don't f**king take that sh*t," he said.
"I don’t think it's funny. If anyone called my mother an animal I'd stick my foot in his ass.”
Talking to local Philippines broadcaster TV5, Pacquiao, the first and only eight-division world champion, had directly compared gay people to animals.
“It’s common sense," the boxer said.
"Do you see animals mating with the same sex?
“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.”
When asked whether an apology would salvage the situation Pacquiao has landed himself in, the American actor and ex pro wrestler replied: “No, you can’t come back from that, man. There’s no coming back from that, man."
While Bautista said he still respected the 37-year-old boxer’s fighting, he said he could not condone the comments.
“I still look up to him as a fighter, it’s just his personal views, you know there just s**t," he said.
"I don’t know where he’s even coming up with this garbage. It’s horrible. It makes me respect him a lot less.”
Since Pacquiao’s remarks, Nike has decided to terminate its contract with him.
“We find Manny Pacquiao's comments abhorrent,” the sportswear company’s statement read.
“Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kinds 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.”
Pacquiao, who has been an elected member of his country’s House of Representatives since 2010, has since apologised for his remarks, while also sticking by his beliefs.
“I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals," he said.
"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.”
