US diplomat Tom Barrack, ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, faced backlash in Lebanon after telling local journalists to “act civilized” during a briefing following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun on Hezbollah disarmament, Al Jazeera reported.

Barrack, of Lebanese descent, chided reporters for shouting questions and linked their behavior to regional conflicts. His remarks drew accusations of arrogance and “colonial” attitudes.

The Lebanese Presidency expressed regret, praising journalists’ professionalism, while the Union of Journalists urged media to boycott Barrack’s events until a formal apology is issued. Critics said his comments reflected a lack of respect for press freedom. The US State Department has not commented, according to Al Jazeera.