Not even a year after it gave Manny Pacquiao recognition, Asia Society has joined the likes of Nike and HBO in condemning the Filipino boxer’s anti-LGBT statements.
In a statement posted in Asia Society’s website, the organization stated:
“Asia Society has always been dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the people of Asia and the rest of the world. Last year we honored Manny Pacquiao as an ‘Asia Game Changer’ because of his generosity and devotion to improving the plight of those living in poverty, and for his efforts in fighting human trafficking in the Philippines and beyond. Our global network was united in supporting him for this honor.
“That said, Mr. Pacquiao’s recent comments about homosexuality are an affront not only to our global mission but to any understanding of dignity, diversity and the embrace of all peoples, regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. While we recognized Manny Pacquiao for his good works, we condemn and abhor these remarks which have no place in the public dialogue.”
According to its Website, Asia Society is an educational organization said to promote mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the US in a global context. It was founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, and has headquarters in New York, centers in Hong Kong and Houston, and offices in Los Angeles, Manila, Mumbai, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Washington, DC and Zurich.
In September 2015, Asia Society honored Pacquiao as the year’s “Asia Game Changer of the Year”, following in the footsteps of Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, who took the honor in 2014.
