Despite condemning the antigay comments boxer Manny Pacquiao made last month, the cable network still has plans to broadcast his upcoming fight.
Last month, the world boxing champ controversially suggested that gay couples are “worse than animals.”
“It’s common sense,” he told broadcaster TV5. “Do you see animals mating with the same sex?”
The fight between Timothy Bradley Jr. and Pacquiao is scheduled to broadcast on April 9.
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A statement on Wednesday from HBO called Pacquiao’s comments “deplorable,” but said the fight will still be broadcast.
“However, we felt it important to leave no uncertainty about our position on Mr. Pacquiao’s recent comments toward the LGBTQ community. We consider them insensitive, offensive and deplorable. HBO has been a proud home to many LGBTQ stories and couldn’t approach this event without clearly voicing our opinion.”
Pacquiao says he isn’t bothered by the backlash — despite losing a sponsorship with Nike that was worth millions.
h/t: Pink News