87-year-old spiritualist who asked a little boy to suck his tongue apologizes

Popular spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, has apologized after being slammed on social media for asking a little boy to suck his tongue at an event.

Netizens on social media have expressed disgust, after chancing on the said video which has since gone viral on Twitter.

But reacting to the numerous backlashes he has since encountered, his office has issued a statement apologizing to the boy and his family as well as individuals across the world, for the hurt his actions may have caused.

“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras,” parts of the statement read.

Background

At an event, a young boy approached the popular Buddhist leader cum YouTuber, and asked, “Can I hug you?”

The spiritual leader then invited the boy on stage and pointed to his cheek and said, “first here,” prompting the boy to give him a hug and a kiss.

The Dalai Lama then pointed to his lips, and said: “then I think finally here also.” He then pulls the boy’s chin and kisses him on the mouth.

“And suck my tongue,” he said after a few seconds, poking his tongue out.

Although the identity of the boy is not known, he was at an event with the M3M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Indian real estate company M3M Group based in Dharamshala, India, where the Dalai Lama lives.

Dalai Lama kisses a child and then asks him to suck his tongue. It's not a joke, it's pedophilia. pic.twitter.com/OqchcG5agd

— RadioGenova (@RadioGenova) April 11, 2023

Bro we can cancel the Dalai Lama without circulating that disgusting video. The description was enough.

— Dylan Ali (@dylanali_) April 10, 2023

This is NOT playful banter & so inappropriate to use 'affectionately plants kiss' alongside 'suck my tongue'. Hugs are fine not this.

Don't normalise molestation of kids - don't care how revered the Dalai Lama is I'm not OK with a child sucking a grown man/woman/anyone's tongue https://t.co/B3tpKw6meS

— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) April 10, 2023

The Dalai Lama is a pedophile. The child was assaulted. No sane person is okay with what he did to that child and the worst part is this happens to so many kids cuz y’all normalize predatory behavior in close family members.

— Spicy Sagitterrorist (@adoseofmars) April 10, 2023

Dalai Lama is a fucking weirdo wtf

— BASED SAVAGE (@crackcobain__) April 10, 2023

???? | Cardi B shuts down haters somehow taking issue and calling her the “wrong messenger” for speaking out about protecting children from predators following the recent video of the Dalai Lama’s inappropriate behavior with a little boy.

“I am the right messenger, I’m a MOTHER!” pic.twitter.com/Ra65xLuPPU

— KenBarbie™ (@itsKenBarbie) April 10, 2023

pic.twitter.com/vlmUbI4vqz

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) April 10, 2023