Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has apologized for a viral video that has sparked outrage on social media.
In the clip, the Dalai Lama is seen kissing a young boy on the lips and then asking him to suck his tongue.
The incident took place at an event in Dharamshala city, northern India, on February 28.
The video, which recently surfaced online, has been met with widespread criticism, with many describing the 87-year-old’s actions as “disgusting.”
In response to the backlash, a statement was posted on the spiritual leader’s website where he expressed regret for the hurt he may have caused the young boy and his family.
“A video clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting when a young boy asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug,” the statement read.
“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.”
The statement also acknowledged that the Dalai Lama is known for his playful nature and innocent teasing, but that he regrets the incident and any offense it may have caused.
