FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2023
Statement Release
We at the Utah Tibetan Association would like to express our unequivocal support for His Holiness the
Dalai Lama in the wake of the recent attacks directed towards him. We are deeply saddened and disturbed
by the maliciously edited video that has been circulating on social media and the storm of media coverage
surrounding it. This is a deliberate attempt by the Chinese government to tarnish his image and undermine
his tireless efforts for peace and harmony in the world.
For those unfamiliar with Tibetan culture, particularly those who have seen the widespread abuse of
children by powerful individuals and religious institutions, the act of affection depicted in the video may
be misunderstood. However, it’s crucial to understand that in Tibetan culture, it is customary for elders to
show their love and respect through gestures such as touching foreheads and kissing children in exchange
for their affection. It’s important to note that these acts are in no way intended to be sexual. Regrettably,
the video was maliciously edited to present a distorted and misleading portrayal of what actually
transpired, and this cultural nuance was lost in translation due to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s
misinterpretation of a few words in broken English.
We want to remind everyone that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an 87 year old revered spiritual leader
and a symbol of peace, nonviolence, and compassion. He has spent his entire life working to promote
these values, both in Tibet and around the world. He has been a tireless advocate for the Tibetan people,
who have suffered under Chinese occupation for more than six decades. He has been a global icon for
human rights, democracy, and interfaith dialogue.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s contributions to the world are immeasurable. He has been recognized with
numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, for his efforts to promote peace and understanding.
His teachings have inspired millions of people around the world, regardless of their religious or cultural
background.
We urge the international community and friends of Tibet around the world to see through the propaganda
efforts of the Chinese government and stand with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We also request that the
news media invest time and effort into understanding the Tibetan culture and the remarkable contributions
of the Dalai Lama to our world, rather than giving undue attention to purposefully crafted and
emotionally charged, unsubstantiated allegations aimed at undermining his legacy.
In conclusion, we at the Utah Tibetan Association reaffirm our unwavering support for His Holiness the
Dalai Lama and his efforts to promote peace and harmony in the world. We are deeply grateful for his
wisdom, compassion, and leadership, and we believe that his message of hope and unity will continue to
inspire generations to come. We believe that the recent incident is nothing more than a malicious attempt
to discredit a great spiritual leader and a champion of human rights. We stand with His Holiness the Dalai
Lama and call on others to do the same.
