The spiritual head of Tibet has apologized after an inappropriate video showing him kissing a youngster on the lips and telling him to “suck his tongue” generated controversy on Sunday.

Also Read| Chinese spy balloon or a weather balloon over Phoenix? Social media users share images of aerial object in Arizona

Dalai Lama’s team has now issued an apology.

“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 apologize 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,” the official Twitter handle of the Buddhist monk stated.

The Buddhist monk’s official Twitter account expressed sadness for the “hurt” his statements caused and apologized to the youngster in the popular video, his family, and “friends all over the world.” He tends to communicate with others in a “playful and innocent” manner, the statement continued.

The incident happened on February 28 during a conversation at a gathering in the Dharamshala neighborhood of McLeod Ganj. Around 100 school pupils attended the ceremony, which was held at a temple, according to The Guardian.

Also Read| Who is Alyssa Farah Griffin? Former White House director says Donald Trump ‘most alone’ during arraignment

On the microphone, a student in attendance requested a hug from the Dalai Lama. The child was invited to approach the platform where the 87-year-old was sitting.

The monk then leaned in to give his respects and laid a kiss on the boy’s lips. He then asked the boy to suck it with his tongue while pressing his forehead against the boy’s. According to the site, the youngster walked away as the Dalai Lama laughed and gave him another hug.

Also Read| When was Malibu Ken launched, the first African-American Ken doll?

One of the participants recorded the video, which has received over 1 million views. Users on Twitter condemned the video, calling it “disgusting” and “absolutely sick.”

“Utterly shocked to see this display by the #DalaiLama. In the past too, he’s had to apologize for his sexist comments. But saying – Now suck my tongue to a small boy is disgusting,” one person tweeted.

“What did I just see?” What must that child be feeling? “Horrible,” said another.