Justin Bieber reportedly is facing a ban from the Philippines for mocking Manny Pacquiao after the fighter was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in his most recent fight. True story.
Word of the proposed ban emerged last week when a Philippines congressional representative first made the proposition. According to ABS-CBNnews, Rep. Carol Jane Lopez not only called for Bieber to be banned, but also to have everyone in the country stop buying his music and attending his concerts.
The pop star angered many people in the Philippines by posting a few Pacquiao knocked out Internet meme photos following the boxer’s loss. One of the photos was of Simba from “The Lion King” trying to wake Pacquiao, and the other was of Pac-Man falling just like Michael Jackson doing his lean in Smooth Criminal:
The Telegraph reports that seven lawmakers filed a resolution demanding an apology from Bieber for the “distasteful comments … lest he be declared persona non grata.”
“Mr Bieber should have known that the Hon. Pacquiao has reached his stature as such as a result of sheer hard work, determination and firm belief in God, and despite such stature best exemplifies humility and grace even in defeat,” a congressmen reportedly said.
Bieber is a well known supporter of Pacquiao’s chief rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr. He has even served in Mayweather’s entourage during fights and carried the champion’s belts into the ring.
“If they were Beliebers I know they wouldn’t leave my side over [a] boxing opinion I have,” he wrote on Instagram in response.
As admittedly funny as some of the Pacquiao knockout meme photos were, we elected not to post any on the site because we found it in poor taste to mock someone following a punch that may have created some serious permanent damage. Still, it’s extremely petty of the Philippines to threaten a ban on Bieber just because he mocked Pac-Man. We know Manny is a congressman and hero in the Philippines, but you have to seriously lighten up and get over the loss.
H/T Off the Bench
