An interview released by BBC with the Dalai Lama received a lot of criticism. His remarks that a female who succeeds him would have to be attractive and that people would not like to look at a dead face and that women in public should wear makeup were highly condemned by many. Following the incident, a statement released by his office said: “His Holiness genuinely meant no offence. He is deeply sorry that people have been hurt by what he said and offers his sincere apologies.” It also spoke of the original context of the statement being with the then Paris editor of Vogue magazine saying that “it sometimes happens that off the cuff remarks, which might be amusing in one cultural context, lose their humour in translation when brought into another.”

The statement added: “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. Under his leadership, Tibetan nuns in exile have earned Geshe-ma degrees, indicating a high level of scholarship previously reserved only for male monks. His Holiness has frequently suggested that if we had more women leaders, the world would be a more peaceful place.”

There was also clarification about the Dalai Lama’s words on refugees returning to their own land. His office said: “He certainly appreciates that many of those who leave their countries may not wish or be able to return, and that Tibetans, who cherish the idea of returning home, would find their country irrevocably altered. However, His Holiness also understands the uncertainties and difficulties of those in countries where refugees and migrants make their new homes.”