Dalai Lama Apologizes After Video Shows Him Kissing Little Boy

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibet, has expressed regret after backlash from a video showing him kissing a toddler on the lips.

The 87-year-old leader expressed remorse for the event and sought to “apologize to the youngster and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his comments may have caused,” according to a statement released on his official website.

In Dharamsala, India, where the exiled leader resides, the Tsuglakhang temple, a public assembly took place in February during which the incident took place.

As the youngster requested to give him a hug, he was answering questions from the audience. The youngster was encouraged to come up to the platform the Dalai Lama was sitting on.

He pointed to his cheek on the video, and the kid kissed him before giving him a hug. The Dalai Lama then extended his tongue and invited the kid to kiss him on the lips.

As the youngster sticks out his own tongue and leans in, the Dalai Lama can be heard saying, “And suck my tongue,” drawing laughter from the audience.

His actions were criticized as disrespectful and frightening by social media users when the video went viral.

The Dalai Lama released a statement that read, “His Holiness frequently teases persons he meets in a harmless and humorous fashion, even in public and before cameras.”

This is very, very disturbing. He should be watched very closely, especially when with children.