Dalai Lama Apologizes After Video of Controversial Interaction with Boy Circulates
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has issued an apology after a video of a controversial interaction with a young boy circulated online. In the video, the Dalai Lama kisses the boy on the mouth and then asks if he wants to suck his tongue.
The incident has caused widespread criticism, and the Dalai Lama’s office has sought to contain the damage by issuing an apology. In a statement, the office said the Dalai Lama “sometimes jokes with people he knows in an innocent and playful way, even in public and on camera,” and expressed regret for any offense caused.
This is not the first time the Dalai Lama has been criticized for his behavior. In 2019, the Dalai Lama’s office apologized for comments he made in a BBC interview about any future female Dalai Lama needing to be “attractive.” The office issued another apology for any offense caused, attributing it to a misunderstood joke.
The Dalai Lama is an influential figure in the Tibetan Buddhist faith and is respected around the world for his spiritual teachings. However, this latest incident has served as a reminder that even revered religious figures are susceptible to public scrutiny.