It looks like the fury felt by many regarding Manny Pacquiao’s homophobic comments are still impacting the Filipino fighter here in America and the repercussions are not over for him, and rightfully so. Already, Pacquiao has had endorsements cancelled, public figures condemn him, and had the LGBTQ community protest him for hurtful and uneducated comments he made about the issue of sexual orientation.
Regardless of how little he understood of the things he said or how impactful he thought they’d be, Pacquiao is under fire as he continues his stay in America preparing for his April 9th showdown with welterweight Timothy Bradley—the third installment of their rivalry.
Yahoo News reported on the PEP News story regarding Rick Caruso, the owner of The Grove mall in Los Angles, and his decision to ban the boxer-turned-politician based on his alienating of the Gay community.
Pacquiao has been known to frequent the mall during his stays in the U.S. and it was announced last week that Pacquiao, who was supposed to be interview on location at The Grove by EXTRA host Mario Lopez, would not be allowed to participate in any media events on the grounds of the outdoor mall.
Caruso said that many members of the gay community which frequent the mall should not be made to feel uncomfortable, “[Therefore], Manny Pacquiao is no longer welcome,” he said.
This was not the first time Pacquiao has been banned from this specific mall. In 2012, after making other controversial and completely idiotic remarks about homosexuals, Pacquiao was banned from The Grove. However, it was eventually lifted.
It looks like the “Pac Man” will have to find somewhere else to do his shopping, although it is unlikely he will be well greeted at any reasonable establishment in the area.
Pacquiao-Bradley III will air on HBO PPV.