tThe man behind the latest YouTube sensation has spoken out for the first time about his global cuddling controversy. Serial hugger Juan Mann describes the
free hugs he hands out…as fast-food emotion. His cuddling campaign received an international dose of publicity today, after a video showing his public
displays of affection won a coveted front page spot on the video sharing website. An American television audience of millions also watched him at work,
when the video was broadcast on the prime-time breakfast program Good Morning America recently.
Today, the hugger was at it again, brandishing his “free hugs” sign in the busy pedestrian thoroughfare, and having quite a few people take him up on his
offer. “It’s a way to make people smile,” Mann said. “For every person who gets a hug, you see five walk past with a smile on their face.” But his efforts
to spread the love became a little too popular for some people’s liking, according to a blurb on the YouTube video, which said: “As this symbol of human
hope spread across the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED.”
Undeterred, Mann collected more than 10,000 signatures on a petition he presented to the City of Sydney council. Demands for a halt to the hugs petered
out shortly after, and the end of the clip shows Mann hugging an official. City worker Elly Mitchell, who handed out a few free hugs on her lunch break
today, said she was inspired to organize an event after seeing the video online. “We’re going to hug the city,” Ms Mitchell said.
This is Rex Barker, reminding you to keep being persistent in your beliefs and actions.
