Dalai Lama Apologizes After Asking Boy to Suck His Tongue [Video]

The Dalai Lama has issued an apology after video has surfaced of him asking a young boy to "suck his tongue".

Dalai Lama Asks Boy To Suck His Tongue

The Dalai Lama has issued a formal apology after a video has gone viral of him "kissing a child on the lips and then asking him to 'suck my tongue'".

According to CNN.com, on Monday (4/10/23) a representative for the Dalai Lama says he "wishes to apologize to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused".

The statement went on to say that the Dalai Lama often likes to innocently tease people in playful ways when he meets them and that he regrets the incident with the boy.

The incident in question happened in February of this year at an event in the city of Dharamshala in northern India.

In the now-viral video, a young boy approached the Dalai Lama and asks if he can give him a hug.

The Dalai Lama then points to his cheek and says "First here" which prompts the boy to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Then, things took an awkward turn.

From CNN.com -

"The Dalai Lama then points to his lips, and says: 'then I think finally here also.' He then pulls the boy’s chin and kisses him on the mouth.

'And suck my tongue'” he says after a few seconds, poking his tongue out."

It's important to note that sticking out one's tongue in Tibetan culture is viewed as a sign of respect, however the Haq: Center for Child Rights tells CNN that what we see in the video has nothing to do with cultural expression.

Supporters of the Dalai Lama say that the act is being misinterpreted.