Dalai Lama apologises to boy, his family after row over viral video

Digital Desk: The Dalai Lama apologised on Monday, expressing regret, following social media uproar over an alleged video showing him kissing a kid and telling him to "suck his tongue."

The Tibetan spiritual leader "wishes to apologise to the youngster and his family, as well as his many friends across the world for the hurt his comments may have caused,"  a statement issued by the Dalai Lama's office stated.

"A video clip that depicts a recent meeting in which a small kid asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug has been making the rounds on social media. His Holiness wishes to express his regret for whatever harm his comments may have caused to the kid, his family, and his numerous friends around the world.

“His Holiness often teases people he meets innocently and playfully, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident,” the statement said.

The Buddhist spiritual leader's statements came after a video of him meeting a young boy started going viral on social media.

In the viral video, the child leaned in to pay his respects in the alleged video, and the Dalai Lama kissed him on the lips.

The Tibetan spiritual leader eventually raises his mouth and points to his mouth after a brief amount of time.

According to reports,  Dalai Lama is heard saying “Can you suck my tongue?” in the allegedly viral video.

Soon, the video caught the attention of netizens on social media.

Twitter users have expressed their disappointment and anger about the occurrence.