Dalai Lama apologises publicly for his inappropriate behaviour with a young boy

New Delhi : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has issued a public apology on Monday after a video clip of him asking a young boy to suck his tongue went viral on social media and triggered a sharp backlash.

He has posted the apology on the social media platforms.

“A video clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting when a young boy asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug. His Holiness wishes to apologise to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused,” a statement issued by the 87-year-old Dalai Lama’s private office said.

“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident,” the statement, also put out on his Twitter handle and on his website said.

According to people known of the matter, the video clip was short during an event held on February 28th at the courtyard of Tsuglagkhang complex, Dalai Lama Temple in McLeodganj. Several students were present there as a part of audience in which the victim boy head to ask Dalai Lama to give him a hug.

On his request, Dalai Lama invited the boy up to the platform.