• US envoy Tom Barrack described Lebanese journalists as "animalistic," provoking outrage.
• He later apologized, claiming his language was "inappropriate" and not meant derogatorily.
• The controversy arose during a press conference amid U.S. discussions on disarming Hezbollah.

US envoy to Syria and ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, faced significant backlash after describing the chaotic behavior of journalists at a press conference in Beirut as “animalistic.” His comments, made during a briefing on disarming Hezbollah, triggered swift condemnation from Lebanese officials and media organizations, which argued that such language was "beyond the pale of decency and diplomacy," according to TRT Global and Los Angeles Times.

In response to the outrage, the Lebanese presidency expressed regret over Barrack’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of treating journalists with respect. The Syndicate of Lebanese Press Editors condemned his comments as “absolutely unacceptable” and demanded an apology, warning that failure to issue one might lead to a boycott of his visits, according to AA and Al Jazeera.

After the controversy escalated, Barrack publicly apologized, stating, “I didn’t intend to use the word in a derogatory manner,” and recognized that his language was inappropriate. He acknowledged during an interview that “animalistic” was not meant as an insult, expressing his hope that journalists would "act civilized," but admitted he should have shown more tolerance, as reported by TRT Global and AA.

Barrack's remarks and subsequent apology coincide with escalating tensions in Lebanon regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah. His visit aimed to address the Lebanese government's directions on the consolidation of weapons under state control, yet the situation remains intricate with Hezbollah rejecting disarmament efforts, which they view as attacks on their defensive capacities, according to Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera.