Tibetan Leader Defends Dalai Lama for Asking Boy to 'Suck' His Tongue: He's 'Beyond the Sensorial Pleasures'
The Dalai Lama was "unfairly labeled" for his "affectionate demeanor," a Tibetan leader told reporters
Warning: This story contains details that some readers might find alarming. Please proceed with caution.
A Tibetan leader is defending the Dalai Lama, days after the holy leader issued an apology for asking a boy to "suck his tongue" during an appearance in India earlier this year.
Penpa Tsering, the political leader of Tibet's government-in-exile, told reporters on Thursday, that the Dalai Lama's acts were "unfairly labeled," and that the incident has been misinterpreted, according to Reuters.
Tsering said that the spiritual leader, 87, displayed "innocent grandfatherly affectionate demeanor,' per the news agency.
"His holiness has always lived in sanctity, (following the life of) a Buddhist monk, including celibacy," Tsering continued, per CNN. "His years of spiritual practice have gone beyond sensorial pleasures."
At a February event in Dharamshala, the Nobel prize laureate asked a young boy for a hug, according to the Associated Press and CNN.
Video from the event, which recirculated earlier this month, shows the Dalai Lama gesturing to his cheek before the boy gives him a quick hug and kiss. He then asks the boy to kiss him on the lips, and pulls the boy's chin toward him as he sticks out his lips.
After the kiss, the Dalai Lama suggests the boy "suck my tongue," leading to a few chuckles from the crowd. He then sticks his tongue out and leans toward the boy, who presses his forehead against the Dalai Lama's.
The video has been viewed more than 1 million times on Twitter, per Reuters.
Related:The Dalai Lama Thinks Trump Lacks 'Moral Principle,' But Says Female Successor Must Be 'Attractive'
On Monday, the Dalai Lama apologized for his actions.
"His Holiness 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," according to a statement by his office.
"His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras," the statement continued. "He regrets the incident."
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
On Thursday, Tsering claimed that investigations suggested "pro-Chinese sources" were related to why the video surfaced on social media, saying "the political angle of this incident cannot be ignored, per Reuters.
CNN reported that he did not provide any evidence to support the claim.
The Dalai Lama has been living in Dharamshala since 1959 after fleeing Tibet following its unsuccessful uprising against China, according to CNN.
This is not the first time the Dalai Lama has been criticized for comments he has made in public.
In 2019, the Tibetan spiritual leader apologized after suggesting a female Dalai Lama should be "attractive," according to the BBC and CNN. The previous year, he was also criticized for suggesting Europe should be for Europeans only while discussing the subject of African refugees, per CNN.
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
