The Philippines' Eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has been banned from one of Los Angeles' premiere shopping malls, The Grove. The boxer-politician is being refused entry to the mall following after he voiced homophobic sentiments during a recent interview.

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The Grove owner Rick Caruso made the announcement of his decision, saying Pacquiao is no longer welcome in his mall as a lot of people from the LGBT community are frequent guests of the shopping center. Caruso explained that Pacquiao's presence will make his gay visitors feel uncomfortable, hence the resolution.

Pacquiao irked the LGBT community last month following displeasing statements he made in opposition to same-sex marriage. Many people have criticized him for comparing homosexuals to animals. The statements eventually forced Nike to discontinue its partnership with the "People's Champ."

Pacquiao has since released a video apologising for his statement.

This is not the very first instance that The Grove has banned Pacquiao from its premises. In 2012, he was banned from entering the mall for quoting a biblical passage against homosexuals saying their lives must be ended. The ban was lifted a few months later, but is being enforced again now.

Caruso ended his statement saying that The Grove is a place where Los Angeles people gather to have fun and not a place where stereotyping and intolerance is practiced.

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