Arum, who sided with Pacquiao’s sponsor Nike Sportswear when it dropped Pacquiao as one of the company’s major product endorsers, does not agree with Pacquiao’s recent statement about same-sex marriage but he said he respects Pacquiao’s opinion.
In a recent TV interview, Pacquiao stated that even animals do not engage in same-sex (sexual) relationships.
“It’s only common sense. Would you see any species of animals who engage in male to male, female to female [sexual] relations? Animals, then, are better than humans [in that sense]. They know how to distinguish males from females,” said Pacquiao in an analogy.
“If people then engage in male to male, female to female relations, then they are worse than animals,” he added.
Pacquiao has since made a public apology but reiterated that his stand on same-sex marriage remains.
Same-sex marriage isn’t allowed in the Philippines. Pacquiao who is an incumbent congressman is against its legalization. But Arum is in favor of same-sex marriage and finds Pacquiao’s statement offensive to the LGBT community.
“I think it’s reprehensible,” Arum told RingTV.com in a phone interview last Wednesday. “I’m in favor of same-sex marriage. I’m in favor of gay rights. A lot of my friends are gays, particularly in California and Hollywood, so it’s very offensive to them and that’s what I’m most concerned about,” he said
“As Manny’s promoter, I must say I agree with Nike,” Arum said. “They’re in the business of selling products, and Manny’s remarks were offensive to many people, particularly those in the gay and lesbian community.” he added.
Now Arum says Pacquiao, who is seeking a senate seat in the May 9 national elections, has become even more popular after his controversial statement which angered the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community.
The Pacquiao-LGBT controversy is still on top of the trending topics on the internet and it could continue to be a favorite topic as politicians who needs free publicity are riding on Pacquiao’s nationwide media reach. Pacquiao’s public awareness rating is the highest among the senatorial candidates for the May 9 elections.
“Right now, promoting Manny is not just about promoting a fighter; it’s about promoting a politician. It’s like promoting (Donald) Trump. It causes a lot of interest, Arum said.
“You have to understand, Manny is running for the Senate in the Philippines. The comments were made for a Filipino audience. It’s a different culture. The Philippines is not America. His popularity went up in the polls after he said what he said,” he added.
