28.08.2025 21:25
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Thomas Barrack, apologized for his use of the term 'animal' against journalists in Lebanon. Barrack stated that the controversial expression was not intended as an insult, adding, "I should have been more generous with my time and a bit more tolerant."
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Thomas Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, apologized for his "animalistic" remark made to journalists during a press conference he attended in Lebanon last Tuesday, stating, "It was inappropriate for me to do this while the press was doing their job."
Thomas Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, made a statement regarding his "animalistic" remark towards journalists during a press conference he attended in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, last Tuesday.
HE BACKTRACKED ON HIS WORDS
Barrack apologized for his controversial remarks. In an interview, the U.S. Ambassador stated, "'Animal' was not a term I used as an insult. I was simply saying, 'Can we calm down a bit, can you show a little understanding and kindness, let’s be civil?' However, it was inappropriate for me to do this while the press was doing their job. I needed to be more generous with my time and behave with a bit more tolerance," he said.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Barrack visited Lebanon after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the Israeli army could withdraw from areas it controls in Southern Lebanon if the Lebanese government decides to disarm Hezbollah.
Barrack's statements came after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. During a subsequent press conference, he expressed discomfort with the common situation of journalists asking questions simultaneously, scolding the journalists and saying, "Please, be a little quiet. I want to tell you something. When this job starts to become chaotic and animalistic, we are not here. Do you want to know what is happening? Behave civilly, be kind, be tolerant. Because that is the problem with what is happening in the region," he stated. He then asked the journalists, "Do you think this is fun for us? Do you think it is beneficial for us to endure this madness here?"
LEBANON'S MEDIA REACTED
Barrack's words, being of Lebanese descent, caused a significant backlash on social media, and the diplomat's statements were labeled as "racist." Journalist Hala Jaber reacted strongly to Barrack's remarks, stating, "Barrack enters Beirut like a 19th-century colonial commissioner, calling Lebanese journalists 'animalistic.' He lectures us on 'civilization' and places all the blame on 'our region.' This is not just arrogance; it is racism. You do not govern this country, and you cannot insult its people."
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