Boxing superstar and politician, Manny Pacquiao, has been banned from the upscale shopping mall, The Grove, in California. The reason for the ban stems from recent anti-gay remarks that he made. Pacquiao said that he is opposed to same-sex marriage because of his Catholic beliefs. An initial report stated that he said gay men should be put to death, but was later proven to be false.
Pacquiao is not the only celebrity who has come under fire for anti-gay comments. Here is a look at other famous people who have gotten in trouble for their beliefs about being gay.
Kirk Cameron
Cameron hasn’t been an A-list celebrity for some time, but the former “Growing Pains” star recently made headlines when he gave his views on gay marriage and homosexual relationships. The Evangelical Christian said that being gay is “unnatural” and said that gay marriage is “destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.” Other television stars from the 80s banded together to make a video in response to Cameron’s remarks. The video appeared on Funny or Die, and supported gay rights while opposing Cameron’s statements.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson has had so many public meltdowns that it is becoming hard to keep them all straight. He has made controversial statements about his former girlfriend, anti-gay remarks, and anti-gay comments. Gibson famously said, With this look, “who’s going to think I’m gay? I don’t lend myself to that type of confusion. Do I look like a homosexual? Do I talk like them? Do I move like them?” Interestingly, he has a gay brother who reported that Gibson has been supportive of him and his lifestyle.
Donald Trump
Trump is known for making outrageous statements, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he has made anti-gay comments. His feelings on gay marriage came to the forefront when he contemplated a run for the White House. Though he didn’t say anything particularly offensive, Trump did say he was opposed to gay marriage and civil benefits.
Tracy Morgan
Comedian Tracy Morgan got in some trouble last year after a controversial stand-up routine. Morgan said that if his son were gay, that he had better act like a man or Morgan would stab him. He also said that being gay is a choice. After a media backlash, the comedian apologized to fans and members of the gay community. In an effort to repair his reputation, Morgan later visited gay teens in New York to hear their own stories of being rejected by their parents.
Blake Shelton
The host of “The Voice” and country music star, Blake Shelton, caused a stir when he reworked the words to the Shania Twain song “Any Man of Mine” to include possibly homophobic remarks. The new lyrics were tweeted to his followers, and drew the ire of GLAAD members. He later apologized via Twitter, and co-host Adam Levine voiced his support for Shelton.
