A video surfaced on Saturday that purportedly shows the Turkish president slapping a child who refused to kiss his hand, The New York Post reported.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sparked a public backlash after a video was released that allegedly showed him slapping a young child in the face. The incident took place during an event in Rize where Erdogan was handing out keys to residents of homes rebuilt as part of an urban renewal project. according to As Erdogan was handing over the keys, two young boys approached him on stage, according to the New York Post.

When the boy hesitated to kiss Erdogan's hand — a traditional Turkish sign of respect — the 70-year-old president appeared to slap the boy on the cheek, after which the boy reportedly complied and kissed Erdogan's hand before accepting the cash. video It quickly went viral and sparked widespread condemnation. (Related: Turkish president praises Hamas as “liberation group”, cancels Israel visit)

Social media users expressed shock, with many questioning Erdogan's actions.

Did Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slap a child who didn't kiss his hand?
If so, wouldn't that be a pretty advanced form of terrorism and abuse?
Why should they kiss his hand as a sign of respect?
Need clarification? pic.twitter.com/edYbftlp91

— Joshua Olusegun 🇳🇬 🇬🇧🇨🇦 (@Leged45) July 30, 2024

Others defended Erdogan, citing cultural norms that mean children are often scolded if they do not show traditional signs of respect.

I love it🤣
Especially in Turkey, kissing the hands of your elders, parents and grandparents is a sign of respect, and if you don't, you will be scolded, especially if you are young.

— Sokol0311 (@Sokol0311) July 28, 2024

The incident is not an isolated one: in 2021, Erdogan hit a boy over the head at the opening ceremony of the Salarka Tunnel in Rize, and in 2023 he publicly slapped his grandson, though he later claimed he had “just given him a pat,” The Sun reported. report.