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The Dalai Lama has issued an apology after a video showing him kissing a young boy on the lips and asking him to suck his tongue went viral on social media.
In a statement issued on Twitter by the Dalai Lama's office, he said that he was sorry for the hurt his words "may have caused".
The Dalai Lama added:
"His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident."
Incident took place in February at a event organised for students
The incident took place at the Dalai Lama's temple, Dharamshala, on Feb. 28, the BBC reported, with the footage of the Dalai Lama's actions sparking widespread criticism online.
He had been meeting about 120 students as part of an event organised by M3M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Indian real estate company M3M Group.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be seen pointing at his cheek and saying "first here" when the boy asks if he can give him a hug.
The boy then kisses his cheek and gives him a hug. The Dalai Lama then points at his lips and says, "I think here also," and kisses the boy on the lips.
Some applause can be heard in the background at this moment. Following this, the Dalai Lama puts his forehead against the boy's, before asking the child to suck his tongue.
Some people can then be heard laughing in the background when the Dalai Lama sticks his tongue out at the boy.
India-based NGO criticises Dalai Lama's actions as "child abuse"
CNN reported that the Dalai Lama's actions were criticised as "child abuse" by a India-based non-governmental organisation, Haq: Centre for Child Rights.
The BBC further reported that sticking one's tongue out is considered a form of greeting in Tibet.
Haq added in its statement:
"Some news refers to Tibetan culture about showing tongue, but this video is certainly not about any cultural expression and even if it is, such cultural expressions are not acceptable."
This is not the first time the Dalai Lama has apologised in public after becoming the centre of controversy.
Previously in 2019, he apologised for suggesting that his female successor should be attractive.
Top screenshot via India Today/YouTube