US envoy Barrack under fire in Lebanon for calling journalists ‘animalistic’

US Special Envoy to Lebanon Tom Barrack has come under intense criticism after insulting journalists during a press conference at Baabda Presidential Palace. His remarks, describing reporters as “animalistic” and “uncivilized,” have triggered widespread outrage among Lebanese media unions, political figures, and civil society organizations, with calls for a formal apology and diplomatic action.

The Lebanese Press Editors Union condemned Barrack’s statements, demanding a public apology. “Once again, the Lebanese media has been subjected to behavior that, to say the least, is incompatible with diplomatic norms,” the union stated. “What makes this more unfortunate is that such remarks came from a representative of a major global power.”

Labeling Barrack’s words as “completely unacceptable and highly reprehensible,” the union warned that failure to issue a public apology may lead to a boycott of the US envoy’s visits and meetings in Lebanon.

According to the official National News Agency (NNA), Ibrahim al-Moussawi, Chair of the Lebanese Parliament’s Media and Communications Committee and a Hezbollah MP, also denounced Barrack’s remarks. He urged the Ministries of Information and Foreign Affairs to summon the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, and to issue an official protest over what he described as an “insult directed at Lebanon and its people.” Al-Moussawi added that he “strongly condemns” Barrack’s language.

The Council of Audiovisual Media Workers’ Union issued a similar statement, asserting that the use of the Presidential Palace as a platform for such insults undermines Lebanese sovereignty and tarnishes the dignity of both journalists and the Lebanese public. The council emphasized that protecting the honor of the national media and preserving public trust in state institutions require Barrack to issue a prompt and unequivocal apology.

The Media Secretariat of the Lebanese Popular Conference echoed these concerns, calling on Foreign Minister Youssef Rechhi to summon Ambassador Johnson and lodge an official complaint over Barrack’s conduct at the Presidential Palace.

The Lebanese Communist Party also condemned Barrack’s words in a public statement, labeling them as “insulting” and “utterly unacceptable.” “Freedom of speech is stronger than any form of guardianship, and the dignity of journalists is a red line,” the statement read.

As of yet, Barrack has not issued an apology. Instead, President Joseph Aoun addressed the controversy, expressing regret over the incident:

“We are saddened by the unintended remarks made today by one of our guests at the Presidential Palace. The Presidency reaffirms its absolute respect for human dignity and extends its gratitude to all journalists who carry out their duties with great dedication.”

During the press conference, following his meetings with Aoun and other Lebanese officials, Barrack lashed out at the media crowd, saying: “We will have different rules. Be quiet for a minute. If this turns into something chaotic and animalistic, we will walk out. Be civil, be kind, be tolerant. That is the root of the problem in this region.”

Tom Barrack, a close associate of former US President Donald Trump, has previously been linked to meetings with Jeffrey Epstein. He currently serves as the US Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye.

Barrack’s visit comes amid heightened tensions over US-backed efforts to disarm Hezbollah. On August 5, Lebanon’s Cabinet approved a resolution mandating Hezbollah’s disarmament by the end of the year. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are expected to present an implementation plan to the government later this week.

Hezbollah has opposed the resolution, advocating instead for its weapons to be integrated into the national defense strategy alongside the Lebanese Army. The group maintains that negotiations on this issue can only proceed once Israel halts its attacks on Lebanon and withdraws from occupied border territories. The US, however, insists that Hezbollah be disarmed prior to any Israeli withdrawal. Since the November 2024 ceasefire, Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of over 200 people.