httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADf5HzJ6aEs
HBO is facing backlash for working with Manny Pacquiao following his February comments in which he said homosexuals are “Worse than animals.”
According to The New York Post Friday, HBO released a statement following his remarks saying it “Deplored” Pacquiao’s behavior, but planned to air his pay-per view bout against Timothy Bradley Saturday.
HBO is still deciding whether to end its relationship with the Filipino fighter, the Post reported.
Senior network sources told the paper that HBO executives are hoping to avoid a bigger situation because Pacquiao announced he planned to retire after the Bradley fight.
“As of now I am retired,” Pacquiao said after his win over Bradley.
“The network has a reputation for airing landmark LGBT programs such as”Angels in America to “The Normal Heart.” Should Pacquiao come out of retirement, HBO could face a tough decision.
The Post reported Thursday that LGBT leaders planned to have a press conference Saturday to boycott the fight and appealed to HBO to cut ties with the boxer until he apologized for his comments.
Nike cut ties with Pacquiao after he made the statement on Philippines TV. If it was Pacquiao’s last fight, he goes out as one of the biggest pay-per-view attractions in the sport.
His next career probably won’t be as lucrative, with Pacquiao running for the Senate in elections next month in the Philippines.