Dave Bautista revealed that he covered up his Manny Pacquiao tattoo after the former boxer made homophobic comments.
On 4 January, GQ magazine released an interview with the Guardians of the Galaxy star that showcased his extensive tattoos.
In the video, the Blade Runner 2049 star revealed that he spent nearly 50 hours on his back tattoo alone before discussing the stories behind his array of body art.
While Bautista shared fond memories for most of his tattoos, the 53-year-old revealed that he covered one inspired by a former friend due to them making homophobic remarks.
Although he refrained from naming the individual, some have concluded that the MCU actor was referring to his former Manny Pacquiao-inspired “Team Pacquiao” tattoo.
“It used to be a team logo. I was part of a team of a person I considered a friend and someone I really looked up to,” he said when describing the forearm-based artwork.
“And then, he later came out publicly with some anti-gay statements and turned out to be an extreme homophobe. So, I had a huge issue with it. It’s a personal issue with me, my mom’s a lesbian.”
Towards the end of his statement, the beloved actor revealed his updated tattoo, which featured a woman with a sugar skull face painting.
Back in 2016, Pacquiao faced major backlash after he said that gay people were “worse than animals” during his campaign for a senate seat in the Philippines (per CNN).
@gq Dave Bautista on why he got one of his coverup tattoos #GQ #TattooTour #WWE #DaveBautista #MCU #Tattoos #Bautista ♬ original sound – GQ
Shortly after the athlete made the homophobic statements, Bautista called the boxer a “f***ing idiot” during an interview with TMZ Sports.
“I don’t think it’s funny. Let’s put it like this if anyone called my mother an animal, I stick my foot in his ass.”
Throughout his expansive career, Bautista has been a fierce advocate of the LGBTQ+ community.
During Pride Month, the former wrestler took to Instagram with a heartwarming message for his mother and other queer individuals.
“I was always proud of who my mom was because she was always proud of who she was,” he wrote alongside a picture of him wearing a “Be You” shirt.
“In your face, fuck you if you don’t like it, unapologetically loud and proud. And her son payed attention. BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE YOU.”
In 2019, the Glass Onion star slammed a Catholic Bishop after the latter claimed that the LGBTQ+ community “promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith.”
In response, Bautista tweeted: “My moms a lesbian. I think I turned out ok. And the activities she chooses is to help the homeless and people suffering from mental illness.
“I admit I’m not perfect, but at least I was never a judgmental hypocrite! I’m sure you don’t speak for most Catholics. Have a nice day.”
Watch Bautista’s full interview here or below.
Latest
