Manny Pacquiao continues to draw haters and followers following that much celebrated transgender rant that took the world by storm last week.
Pacquiao placed himself under fire when he touched on the pretty sensitive issue, although he explains that he was simply standing on what he believes in.
It will be recalled that he made a comparison between animals and the transgender folks, calling the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people worse than animals who knew males from females. A video on Facebook shows Pacquiao making the comparison, but the Filipino boxing icon has since apologized via Instagram for the remarks though has remained firm on the stance.
It didn't take long for popular clothing and shoe apparel Nike to cut its ties with Pacquiao after the gay slur. The boxer/lawmaker respected the decision but his view on the matter remained the same.
Personalities likewise vented their ire on the eight-time division champion.
In the Philippines, Pacquiao drew heavy criticism from local personalities like TV host Vice Ganda and singer-actress Aiza Seguerra. Vice Ganda would later on forgive Pacquiao for his tirade but made it clear that he would not be supporting and voting Pacquiao in the coming May national elections in which Pacquiao is running for a senatorial seat.
In the international scene, Pacquiao drew backlash as well. Leading the pack is Los Angeles Laker great Earvin "Magic" Johnson who vowed to boycott Pacquiao and not watch any of his matches anymore.
Johnson is standing up to Pacquiao's claim, presumable because he was supporting his son E.J. who admitted he's gay some years back.
Like Pacquiao, Johnson was lauded and criticized for his tweet. Many hit him for making his own mistakes in the past while some even drew Floyd Mayweather Jr. into the mix for his woman-beating rows several years back.
There are many more likely to be pro and against Pacquiao's rants, although one has to wonder if anyone would eventually hit the Bible as well since it was something that led Pacquiao to his comments.
