The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, a revered figure among Tibetan Buddhists, has issued an apology after a video of him kissing a young boy on the lips caused controversy on social media, The Associated Press reports.
The video was filmed during a public gathering in February at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamsala, India, where the 87-year-old exiled leader resides.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be seen inviting the boy onto the stage after he had asked for a hug.
After the boy hugged him, the Dalai Lama kissed him on the lips and then asked him to “suck my tongue.”
The footage led to widespread criticism online, with many people expressing their disapproval of the spiritual leader’s actions.
The Dalai Lama responded by releasing a statement on his official website, expressing regret over the incident and apologizing to the boy, his family, and his supporters around the world for any offense caused.
“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras,” the Dalai Lama’s statement reads.
