The Dalai Lama apologized after a video of him kissing a child on the lips and asking him to suck his tongue went viral on social media
he Dalai Lama apologized Monday morning after a video of him kissing a child on the lips and asking him to suck his tongue went viral on social media.
The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader expressed his apologies to the boy and his family, “as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused,”“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident,” it added. The statement did not reference the kiss.
The video was taken in the Indian town of Dharamsala in February, at the temple where the Dalai Lama lives. In it, you can see the young boy asking for a hug. The Dalai Lama points to his cheek, saying “first here” after which the Dalai Lama points to his own lips and asks for another kiss. The 87-year-old priest then says “and suck my tongue” in the clip, putting his forehead closer to the young boy’s.
The clip was immediately criticized and viewed by millions of people online who were shocked by the Dalai Lama’s actions,“This is NOT playful banter & so inappropriate to use ‘affectionately plants kiss’ alongside ‘suck my tongue’. Hugs are fine[,] not this,” tweeted Dr. Shola Mos Shogbamimu, a British women’s rights activist . “Don’t normalize molestation of kids – don’t care how revered the Dalai Lama is I’m not OK with a child sucking a grown man/woman/anyone’s tongue.
Sticking out your tongue is seen as a “sign of respect or agreement” and is a traditional Tibetan greeting,Dalai Lamas are believed to be “manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet,” according to the current Dalai Lama’s
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dalai Lama Apologises After Video Shows Him Telling Boy: 'Suck My Tongue'During a February event, the Dalai Lama asked a boy to kiss him on the lips and stuck out his tongue.
Read more »
Dalai Lama apologises after asking young boy to 'suck my tongue'The Buddhist spiritual leader's office said the 87-year-old 'often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way' but he 'regrets the incident'.
Read more »
Dalai Lama apologises after kissing boy and asking him to 'suck my tongue'The Buddhist spiritual leader's office said the 87-year-old 'often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way' but he 'regrets the incident'.
Read more »