The video allegedly shows the Dalai Lama kissing the boy on the lips and the boy leaning over in respect.
Updated – Mon 10 Apr 23 02:01pm
Dharamshala: The Dalai Lama issued an apology on Monday, expressing regret over the uproar on social media over a video of him allegedly kissing a boy and asking him to “suck his tongue”.
An official statement released by the Dalai Lama’s office said the Tibetan spiritual leader “wishes to apologize to the boy and his family, as well as to his many friends around the world, for the hurt his remarks may have caused.” Video footage of a recent meeting shows a young boy asking His Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug. His Holiness apologized to the boy and his family, as well as to his many friends around the world, for his words that may damage caused.
“His Holiness often made fun of people he met in an innocent and funny way, even in public and in front of the cameras. He regrets this incident,” the statement said.
The Buddhist spiritual leader’s comments came after a video began circulating on social media showing him encountering a young boy.
The video allegedly shows the Dalai Lama kissing the boy on the lips and the boy leaning over in respect.
Moments later, the Tibetan spiritual leader can be seen pointing to his mouth and sticking out his tongue. In the so-called clip, the Dalai Lama can be heard saying, “Can you suck my tongue?” The video has drawn attention from netizens on social media.
Twitter users expressed disappointment and outrage over the incident.
