High-profile individuals are constantly a source of conflict in the media. It seems like our favorite public figures are always causing controversy and saying outlandish things to get themselves in trouble. This trend of public controversy has been especially prominent with athletes. From social issues to politics, athletes are always offering their opinions, even when they necessarily shouldn’t. World champion boxer Manny Pacquaio is one of the latest athletes to receive backlash for his opinions.
CBS reported that, in an interview with TV5, a Filipino television channel, Pacquiao made anti-gay statements, describing that individuals in same-sex relationships are “worse than animals.” Pacquiao, who is native to the traditionally Catholic Philippines, has every right to disagree with same-sex relationships; however, the manner in which he expressed his opinion was highly inappropriate and uncalled for. Insulting and condemning thousands of individuals in such a disgusting manner, as Pacquiao did, is causing major backlash from the LGBT community and their supporters.
According to ESPN, Nike, one of Pacquiao’s many sponsors, terminated its endorsement with the boxer shortly after Pacquiao’s comments. ESPN reported that Nike said it “strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community.”
One would think that, after losing an endorsement deal with one of the biggest brands in sports, Pacquiao would calm down and start the damage control. However, Pacquiao is doing just the opposite. After Nike dropped him, the 37-year-old took to Instagram to make yet another homophobic statement. He quoted multiple Bible verses, such as Leviticus 20:13, “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads,” according to SBNation. It seems like Pacquiao doesn’t know when enough is enough.
Every public figure is allowed to have his or her own opinions; however, he or she needs to be aware of the impact that certain comments have on other individuals. Pacquiao is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous boxers right now, and he has fans from all around the world. This large number of fans means that Pacquiao has a large sphere of influence, and his comments have an impact on a massive number of people.
Pacquiao also needs to realize that his comments not only reflect negatively on himself, but also on the companies that have sponsored him. Nike is not the only company that has had relations with Pacquiao; other companies such as Foot Locker, Wonderful Pistachios and Nestle’s Butterfinger have sponsored Pacquiao at one time or another, according to Forbes.
Nike is setting a great example by dropping Pacquiao’s endorsement deal, and other companies that support Pacquaio should follow suit. Neither the public nor any company interested in endorsement should tolerate abhorrent comments like Pacquiao’s. There is a major difference between voicing an opinion and intentionally insulting thousands of people, and, apparently, Pacquiao can’t acknowledge that. Every one of Paciquao’s sponsors should cut ties with the boxer because he obviously doesn’t know how to use his status to promote anything positive.
