The Dalai Lama apologized Tuesday for comments he made in 2015 and repeated last week, suggesting if the next Tibetan Buddhist leader were a woman, she should be physically attractive.
“His Holiness genuinely meant no offence,” a statement posted to his website said. “He is deeply sorry that people have been hurt by what he said and offers his sincere apologies.”
During a recent interview with the BBC, the Dalai Lama, 84, was asked to clarify comments he made in 2015. He reaffirmed in the exchange his belief in the importance of “inner and outer beauty” and said again, “If a female Dalai Lama comes, she should be more attractive.”
Dalai Lama, who has served as one of the world’s most famous religious leaders for decades, clarified his support for women’s rights.
“For all his long life, His Holiness has opposed the objectification of women, has supported women and their rights and celebrated the growing international consensus in support of gender equality and respect for women,” the statement read. “His Holiness has frequently suggested that if we had more women leaders, the world would be a more peaceful place.”
