Pacquiao defies Grove ban: ‘It’s a public place’

Manny Pacquiao isn’t going to allow something like a ban deter him from shopping where he wants.

The 8-division boxing champion, speaking with TMZ during media day at the Wild Card Gym earlier this week, said he isn’t concerned with being barred from patronizing The Grove in Los Angeles over comments he made opposing gay marriage in the Philippines.

“It’s a public place available for everybody,” said Pacquiao, who will fight Timothy Bradley Jr for a third time on April 9 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao often shops and watches movies there with his entourage as the popular mall is walking distance from Wild Card. 

Grove owner Rick Caruso told TMZ last month that mall management had spotted Pacquiao there shortly after the comments in a viral video made the rounds and that he decided he didn’t want Pacquiao there anymore.

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