The Dalai Lama has issued an apology after a video circulated on social media showed him telling a young boy to “suck my tongue”.
The incident occurred during an event in Dharamsala, India, in February, where the Dalai Lama was speaking to a crowd of followers.
The video shows the boy asking the religious leader if he can hug him, to which the Dalai Lama responded by asking for a kiss on the cheek first. The child obliged, and the Dalai Lama then pointed to his lips and asked for a kiss there too, which the boy gave. The Dalai Lama then made the comment about sucking his tongue, which led to laughter from the crowd.
In a statement from his office, the Dalai Lama expressed regret for the incident, saying:
“His Holiness wishes to apologize to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused.”
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The statement went on to explain that the Dalai Lama often teases people in an innocent and playful way, and that he meant no harm by his comment.
The Dalai Lama is known for his playful sense of humour, like the time he playfully tickled reporter John Oliver. However, his latest remarks have caused an outcry, media outlets highlight how disturbing his recent remarks were, even if they were intended as playful.
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