An authoritative ultra-orthodox Rabbi has likened child sex abuse to the embarrassment of “diarrhoea” and that victims would have learned an “an important lesson”, in a video that has emerged on YouTube.

Rabbi Manis Friedman from New York’s Chabad Lubavitch movement describes himself as “one of Judaism most well-known inspirational speakers”.

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“What’s wrong with him is he mentioned it.” Rabbi Manis said.

"Do you have to tell if you were molested? he asked.

“Do you have to tell if you have diarrhoea? It’s no one’s business.”

Rabbi Friedman dismissed the damage that victims of abuse report.

“I’m damaged from the molestation – no you’re not.”