The Dalai Lama on Monday issued an apology after coming under fire over a video of him asking a little boy to kiss and ‘suck’ his tongue surfaced online.

In the disturbing video, the spiritual leader could be seen kissing the young boy him and then asked him to suck his tongue at an event in the northern part of India.

The Dalai Lama in a statement on Monday April 10th issued an apology to the boy and his family.

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The statement reads” “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.

“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.

“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident.”