Adriana sent me a link to a YouTube video for the Free Hugs Campaign; their website is currently swamped, but I did a little reading around the edges:

SMH

The 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 in Pitt Street Mall as fast-food emotion.

His cuddling campaign received an international dose of publicity today, after a clip showing his public displays of affection won a coveted front page spot on the video sharing website.

[…]

“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.

[…]

A City of Sydney spokesman Josh MacKenzie said he could find no record of rangers asking Mann to move on.

“In fact, the feeling around the office is one of support for his campaign to spread a bit of happiness and love in the CBD,” the spokesman said.

Asked if he had accepted a free hug, the council spokesman said he hadn’t.

“But I’m sure council staff would welcome the opportunity to have a hug,” he said.