Dalai Lama apologises for 'attractive' female successor remark


The Dalai Lama wants to clarify his recent joke that a female Dalai Lama would have to be "more attractive."


In a statement released Tuesday, his office said, "His Holiness genuinely meant no offense. He is deeply sorry that people have been hurt by what he said and offers his sincere apologies."

The Dalai Lama wants to clarify his recent joke that a female Dalai Lama would have to be "more attractive." (Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images)

The Dalai Lama has consistently emphasized "the need for people to connect with each other on a deeper human level, rather than getting caught up in preconceptions based on superficial appearances," the statement added.


The statement goes on to say that the Dalai Lama opposes the objectification of women and supports gender equality; under his leadership, Tibetan nuns in exile have earned Geshe-ma degrees -- a high level of scholarship previously reserved only for male monks.

Message of tolerance and peace

It's unclear who, if anyone, will replace the current Dalai Lama when he dies. The 83-year-old has said previously that it's "up to the Tibetan people" to decide if the institution should continue.

Dalai Lama (Getty)
The Dalai Lama is though to be the reincarnation of his 13 predecessors. (Getty)


In the same BBC interview last week, the Dalai Lama also made waves by saying that refugees in Europe should be helped to eventually return to "their own land."

The Dalai Lama's office said Tuesday that his view had been "misinterpreted," and that "he certainly appreciates that many of those who leave their countries may not wish or be able to return," the statement added.

