MANILA, Philippines - Dave Bautista may have stood behind Manny Pacquiao when he fought Ricky Hatton in 2009, but the former WWE star isn't standing behind his recent comments on same-sex marriage.
Bautista, a Filipino-American wrestler who performed in the WWE under the name Batista, tells TMZ that he thinks Pacquiao is a "f--king idiot" after the 8-division boxing champion said gay couples were "worse than animals."
Pacquiao, 37, is in training for what he says is his final bout on April 9 against Timothy Bradley Jr in Las Vegas. Pacquiao has continued training despite the distractions, which include being dropped by Nike.
Bautista, who recently starred in the Marvel Comics film "Guardians of the Galaxy," revealed that his mother is a lesbian, adding to his displeasure in Pacquiao's comments.
"My mom happens to be a lesbian so I don't fucking take that shit," said Bautista.
"I don't think it's funny. If anyone called my mother an animal I'd stick my foot in his ass."
Bautista's interest in fighting is well documented, having competed in one professional mixed martial arts fight and accompanying Pacquiao on his ring walk against Ricky Hatton in 2009 for a fight Pacquiao won by second round knockout.
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Bautista added that he still has respect for Pacquiao as a fighter - "But as far as his opinions, stick that up your ass."
Bautista's friend Nonito Donaire Jr also voiced his opinion on Pacquiao's comments, stating on his Facebook account that he hopes they don't lead to violence against homosexuals.
Donaire left the door open for the matter to blow over, writing "This too shall pass and soon it'll be April 9." – Rappler.com