Lebanese journalists have demanded a public apology from senior US envoy Tom Barrack after he told reporters to “act civilized” and not be “animalistic” during a press event at the presidential palace in Beirut. The incident occurred Tuesday, as journalists shouted questions following the US delegation’s meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Barrack, also serving as the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, warned the press that “chaotic, animalistic” behavior would end the briefing, urging them instead to “act civilised, kind, and tolerant.”
His remark triggered widespread backlash. The Lebanese presidency expressed “regret” over the incident, while Information Minister Paul Morcos also apologized to the press corps. Media unions and syndicates strongly condemned the envoy’s language, calling it a “direct insult” and demanding an “immediate and public apology.” Some groups even suggested boycotting Barrack’s future visits. Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Musawi labeled the comments a “blatant insult,” urging the government to summon and reprimand the US ambassador.
