Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan caused a public outcry after a video surfaced showing him allegedly smacking a small child in the face. The incident during an event in Rize, where Erdoğan was distributing keys to residents whose homes had been rebuilt through an urban renewal project, according to the New York Post. As Erdoğan handed out the keys, two young boys approached him on stage.

When the younger boy hesitated to kiss Erdoğan’s hand — a traditional Turkish sign of respect — the 70-year-old leader appeared to slap the child on the cheek. The boy then complied, kissing Erdoğan’s hand before receiving some cash, the outlet reported. The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation. (RELATED: Turkish President Praises Hamas As A ‘Liberation Group,’ Cancels Trip To Israel)

Social media users expressed their shock, with many questioning Erdoğan’s behavior.

Some defended Erdoğan, citing cultural norms where children are often corrected for not showing traditional signs of respect.

This incident is not isolated. In 2021, Erdoğan hit a boy on the head during the opening of the Salarkha Tunnel in Rize, and in 2023 he publicly slapped his grandson, later claiming he was merely “stroking” him, the Sun reported.