Manny Pacquiao apologizes for calling gay people ‘worse than animals’

Manny Pacquiao apologized Tuesday for saying that gay people in relationships are “worse than animals” during a televised interview.

Manny Pacquiao apologized Tuesday for saying that gay people in relationships are “worse than animals” during a televised interview. 

Pacquiao, 37, made the comment as part of his current campaign to be elected to the Philippine Senate. During an interview with the TV5 network, candidates were asked about their feeling towards gay marriage, and the boxer responded with condemnation. 

“It's just common sense,” Pacquiao said during the interview. “Have you seen any animal having male-to-male or female-to-female relations?”

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Pacquiao’s statement quickly received criticism from supporters of gay rights, including a number of Filipino celebrities. 

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He posted apologies for his comments on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. However, Pacquiao, who is Catholic and is running as a conservative Christian candidate, said that he is still opposed to same-sex marriage.