His Holiness genuinely meant no offense

In a recent interview between the Dalai Lama and the BBC, the Dalai Lama made some remarks which have made a lot of people uncomfortable. In the interview, the Dalai Lama made a couple of comments which suggested that if his successor was female, she should be attractive.

The Dalai Lama’s office released a statement clarifying he meant no offense; “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 has said that the discussion about a female successor dates back to a conversation with the then Paris editor of Vogue magazine in 1992. When asked by the editor if the future Dalai Lama could be a woman, His Holiness said a woman could be and jokingly said if would help is she was attractive.

In the statement it reads that sometimes, “off the cuff remarks which might be amusing in one cultural context, lose their humor in translation when brought into another. He regrets any offense that may have been given.”

The Dalai Lama has been an avid member of opposing the objectification of women. In addition to this, he has supported women’s rights and celebrates gender equality and respect for women.

He has also said many times this world would be a much more peaceful place if there were more women in positions of leadership.

I was one who condemned the prior remark and accept the apology : Dalai Lama sorry for saying a female successor would have to be 'attractive' https://t.co/e1DDt647XW — george miller (@bostonblacki) July 3, 2019

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