The Dalai Lama said WHAT about women!?

The Dalai Lama has been heavily criticised after comments he made about a possibility of a female successor.

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism was asked by BBC journalist Clive Myrie about whether he thought there could be a female Dalai Lama.

He sad: “Yes, the female biologically [has] more potential to show affection…and compassion.

However, he continued: “Today in a more troubled world, I think females should take more important roles, and then I told that reporter, if a female Dalai Lama comes, their face should be very attractive.”

Laughing, Myrie presumed he was joking, and asked: “So you can only have a female Dalai Lama if they’re attractive? Is that what you’re saying?”

However the Dalai Lama responded: “I mean if female Dalai Lama come, then that female must be very attractive, otherwise not much use.”

The journalist persisted, asking: “You’re joking, I’m assuming? Or you’re not joking?”

The monk’s reply: “No, true!”

Many took to social media to express surprise at the comments, particularly as the leader has labelled himself a feminist.