TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Millions of files, including newly released emails, have sparked controversy after Dalai Lama was mentioned 169 times in Jeffrey Epstein's correspondences.
The mention has garnered attention amid broader scrutiny of global elite individuals mentioned in the recent set of Epstein-related documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice at the request of the U.S. Congress.
According to reports, several emails dated October 2012 contain references indicating that the Tibetan spiritual leader met Epstein and was expected to attend an event with him.
European media Nexta TV as cited by FE, further claims that individuals described as followers of the Dalai Lama might have also met Epstein.
Dalai Lama at Epstein's House
Last year, journalist Michael Wolff made a notable claim in the 'Daily Beast' podcast, recounting visits of various prominent figures to Epstein's luxurious residence in Manhattan during 'salons' or gatherings there.
He mentioned Dalai Lama, among other figures, speculating financial reasons for his visit, as many met Epstein to try to obtain money or donations from him for philanthropic purposes.
Wolff's claim was reported and analyzed in an article by independent journalist Jacob Silverman in his Substack piece titled ‘Why Was The Dalai Lama At Jeffrey Epstein’s House?’
Silverman noted that the Dalai Lama's office did not respond to inquiries about potential donations or links with Epstein.
Dalai Lama Controversies
The 14th Dalai Lama, whose real name is Tenzin Gyatso, has faced significant controversies, especially in April 2023. In a video, he was seen kissing a young boy and asking him to "suck my tongue" in India.
The 87-year-old man at the time later apologized, claiming it was just a joke and asserting his innocence.
The interaction, which took place at the end of February at the Dalai Lama's temple in Dharamshala, was attended by around 100 young graduates of the M3M India Foundation.
One of the young male students approached the microphone during the event and asked the Dalai Lama, "Can I hug you?"
The Dalai Lama instructed the boy to come to the podium where he was seated. Pointing to his cheek, he was heard saying, "first here," after which the boy kissed him and hugged him.
The Dalai Lama kept hold of the boy, saying, "I think here also," and then kissed his lips.
"And suck my tongue," the Dalai Lama said afterward, as quoted from The Guardian, sticking out his tongue, forehead touching the boy's forehead. The boy quickly stuck out his tongue and tried to move away, while the Dalai Lama laughed and pulled the boy back for another hug, while the audience laughed.
Other controversies include statements about European refugees, comments on female reincarnation, and, up to 2025, ongoing disputes with China regarding the legitimacy of his successor.
In interviews in 2015 and later in 2019, the Dalai Lama stated that if he were to reincarnate as a woman, she should be "more attractive." This sparked negative reactions, and his office clarified that it was an attempt at humor or a comment on the importance of appearance in a materialistic world.
In 2016, he stated that Europe should be for Europeans, and suggested that refugees should return to their own countries.
Alleged Connections of Dalai Lama with Other Controversial Figures
According to Silverman, Dalai Lama has received money from other controversial figures in the past. In 2009, the Tibetan spiritual leader spoke at an event for NXIVM, a cruel sex cult whose leader, Keith Raniere, was convicted in 2019 on seven criminal charges and sentenced to 120 years in prison.
During the 2009 appearance, Dalai Lama reportedly delivered a speech and placed a ceremonial Tibetan scarf around Raniere's shoulders. For his efforts, Dalai Lama allegedly received $1 million, according to Silverman's claim.
Other Notable Figures Mentioned in Epstein's Files
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair, who is also the mother of New York City council member Zohran Mamdani, and Indian-American health guru Deepak Chopra are some other individuals mentioned in the newly released documents.
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Read: Former UK Ambassador Probed Over Alleged Information Leak to Epstein
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