[REPOST] Foot Locker distances itself from Manny Pacquiao: ‘No plans to work with him’

Following news that he had been dropped by lead sponsor Nike, Foot Locker have revealed to Gay Star Business that they are no longer in contract with boxer Matty Pacquiao and have no plans to work with him again.

Pacquiao shot a commercial for Foot Locker that was aired last year. Forbes estimate that the Philippino boxer earned around $12million (€10.8million) in endorsement deals in 2015 – listing Nike, Foot Locker, Nestle and Wonderful Pistachio’s as chief among these. He was the second highest-paid celebrity of the year, raking in around $160million (€144million) – the bulk of which came from his earnings for fighting Floyd Weather Jnr.

On Wednesday, Nike issued a statement saying that it was dropping its endorsement of Pacquiao following controversial comments he had made relating to gay couples.

Both Nestle and Wonderful Pistachios issued statements saying that they had worked with him last year but were no longer contracted to him.

Approached for comment for Gay Star Business, a spokesperson for Foot Locker said: ‘Foot Locker worked with Manny Pacquiao briefly and we are no longer in contract with him and have no plans to work with him.’

The statement was welcomed by Ian Johnson, of LGBT marketing consultancy Out Now.

‘The lesson is clear,’ he told Gay Star Business. ‘In many significant markets around the world, the ‘tipping point’ is passed.

‘More people choose to be allies of LGBT people than are motivated by anti-LGBT sentiment. To a brand the decision is simple: it is not only being seen to be doing the ‘right’ thing – it is also smart business.

‘People who are anti-LGBT are finding it harder than ever to seek a commercial platform from which to spread their feelings and this is something that LGBT young people especially ought to take great heart from.’

Article of  www.gaystarnews.com