The Dalai Lama has apologised for asking a young boy to suck his tongue in a video that has gone viral.
In the clip, the young boy can be seen approaching the Nobel Peace Prize winner in what seems like a request for a hug.
The 87-year-old then invites the boy on stage and points to his cheek, prompting the boy to give him a hug and a kiss.
The Dalai Lama subsequently points to his lips and 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.
The identity of the boy is not known.
The video, which was reportedly filmed during an event in February, has generated outrage on social media with many criticising the Dalai Lama’s actions.
In a statement on Monday, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader apologised for his action.
He said he “often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras”, adding that he regrets the incident.
“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,” the Dalai Lama said.
“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.”
