Dalai Lama Apologizes But Faces Widespread Criticism Over His Interaction With Child

The Dalai Lama invited a young boy on stage and instructed him to kiss him on the lips and "suck [his] tongue."
Celebrities and child advocates have criticized his actions and called his apology insufficient.
The Dalai Lama's defenders claim the interaction reflected cultural differences in how affection is expressed, but many disagree with this characterization.
There are concerns that the Dalai Lama's stature and influence mean this incident sends the wrong message about appropriate and predatory behavior.
The political implications of the controversy have also come under scrutiny given the Dalai Lama's role as a leader in Tibet's movement for greater autonomy.