Manny Pacquiao Latest News: Filipino-American Batista Turns Back On 'Pacman' Due To Recent Scandal
Former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar and mixed martial arts fighter Dave Bautista, simply known as "Batista," has turned his back on eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao for the latter's anti-gay marriage remarks.
The Filipino boxing icon is in hot water after a remark he made during one interview in the Philippines wherein he compared human beings to animals. According to Pacquiao, human beings are worse than animals, in a sense that animals are able to distinguish male from female. His remarks angered a huge number of people, particularly those from the LGBT community.
Pacquiao's main apparel sponsor Nike has also severed their ties with the prizefighter. Many Filipino voters have also expressed their disgust over the matter as they promised not to vote for Pacquiao in the upcoming May national elections. Pacquiao, a congressman of the Sarangani Province in the country's Southern region, is running for a Senatorial seat.
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For his part, Pacquiao has issued his apology, not because of his beliefs on the matter but rather for those he had offended with his words. Pacquiao also says his stance about same-sex marriage remains the same, despite the backlash he has received so far.
Many celebrity figures have also shared their thoughts on the matter. Most recently, Batista, who is a Filipino-American himself, was one of them.
The 47-year-old professional wrestler expressed his opinions through an interview with TMZ.
"My opinion on that is he's a f***** idiot," he said. "My mom happens to be a lesbian so I don't f****** take that s***. I don't think it's funny. If anyone called my mother an animal I'd stick my foot in his a**."
Batista adds that while he still looks up to Pacquiao as a fighter, he does not appreciate the boxer's personal view.
"It makes me respect him a lot less," he added. "But I wish him the best, stay healthy, and I still appreciate his talent. He's a Filipino."
