After a video of the Dalai Lama kissing a young kid and requesting him to
suck his tongue went viral, the Dalai Lama issued an apology.
His office said that his activities were intended in a "playful and
innocent way." On February 28, the event happened in the Tsuglagkhang temple
for Tibetan Buddhists in Dharamshala, northern India.
The child was welcomed on stage after requesting the 87-year-old Nobel
Peace Prize recipient for a hug during an event there with about 100 young
classmates.
He can be heard saying, "First here," while pointing to his cheek in the
interactional video.
The youngster offers him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and the Dalai Lama
responds, "I think here also," kissing the boy on the lips as the audience
laughs and applauds.
They then contact foreheads, and he continues, "And suck my tongue," while
facing the youngster and thrusting out his tongue.
The office of the Dalai Lama stated in a statement:
His holiness expresses regret for whatever harm his comments may have
caused to the youngster, his family, and his numerous friends throughout the
globe. Even in public and in front of cameras, His Holiness enjoys
innocently and jokingly teasing everyone he encounters. He regrets what
happened.
Tags:
news