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Dalai Lama apologizes Following Perverted Viral Video
Photograb from the viral video from an event in McLeod Ganj.
The Dalai Lama, the supposedly revered Tibetan spiritual leader, issued an apology on Monday after a video surfaced showing him kissing a child on the lips during a public gathering in Dharamsala, India.
The incident occurred in February at the Tsuglakhang temple, where the 87-year-old exiled leader lives.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be seen inviting the boy up toward the platform he was seated on, and gesturing to his cheek for a kiss. The child obliged, but the situation took an unexpected turn when the Dalai Lama then asked the boy to kiss him on the lips and stuck out his tongue.
The child, appearing confused, complied and leaned in, prompting laughter from the audience. The footage quickly spread on social media, triggering criticism and condemnation of the Dalai Lama's behavior as inappropriate and disturbing.
In response, a statement was posted on his official website, expressing regret for the incident and apologizing to the boy, his family, and friends for any hurt caused by his words.
The Dalai Lama's playful and teasing behavior in public has been known in the past, but this incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about boundaries and appropriateness, especially considering his role as a spiritual leader and his global stature as a symbol of peace and compassion.
The Dalai Lama has been living in Dharamsala since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.
India, which hosts Tibetan exiles, considers Tibet to be part of China, a sensitive issue in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The apology from the Dalai Lama comes as he seeks to manage the fallout from the video and maintain his reputation as a respected spiritual figure.
The incident occurred in February at the Tsuglakhang temple, where the 87-year-old exiled leader lives.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be seen inviting the boy up toward the platform he was seated on, and gesturing to his cheek for a kiss. The child obliged, but the situation took an unexpected turn when the Dalai Lama then asked the boy to kiss him on the lips and stuck out his tongue.
The child, appearing confused, complied and leaned in, prompting laughter from the audience. The footage quickly spread on social media, triggering criticism and condemnation of the Dalai Lama's behavior as inappropriate and disturbing.
In response, a statement was posted on his official website, expressing regret for the incident and apologizing to the boy, his family, and friends for any hurt caused by his words.
The Dalai Lama's playful and teasing behavior in public has been known in the past, but this incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about boundaries and appropriateness, especially considering his role as a spiritual leader and his global stature as a symbol of peace and compassion.
The Dalai Lama has been living in Dharamsala since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.
India, which hosts Tibetan exiles, considers Tibet to be part of China, a sensitive issue in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The apology from the Dalai Lama comes as he seeks to manage the fallout from the video and maintain his reputation as a respected spiritual figure.
Apr 10, 2023
