Manny Pacquiao is banned from L.A.’s Grove for anti-gay comments

Manny Pacquiao decided to take a break from training in Los Angeles for his upcoming bout against Timothy Bradley by catching a movie at the Grove with members of his entourage.

Apparently that’s never going to happen again.

“Manny Pacquiao is no longer welcome,” Grove owner Rick Caruso told TMZ.

The ban comes about a month after the boxing superstar and Filipino politician made headlines by comparing gay people to animals. He later apologized but soon after posted a biblical verse on Instagram that declares homosexual acts to be punishable by death.

“These are statements of hatred,” Caruso said. “A lot of people from the gay community come to the Grove and they have a right not to feel uncomfortable.”

Caruso’s comment is similar to one tweeted from the Grove account back in 2012, when Pacquiao also was banned from the shopping center following reports that he had quoted the same biblical verse in an interview.

“Based on news reports of statements made by Mr. Pacquiao, we have made it be known that he is not welcome at the Grove and will not be interviewed here now or in the future,” the tweet read. “The Grove is a gathering place for all Angelenos and not a place for intolerance.”

That ban was eventually lifted when it was found that Pacquiao did not actually repeat the verse during the interview.
MORE ON MANNY PACQUIAO

Manny Pacquiao opens U.S. camp, says fans ‘know what’s in my heart’

Manny Pacquiao’s political talk dirties his boxing goodwill

Manny Pacquiao is dropped by Nike because of his ‘abhorrent’ comments about gays