Dr. Benjamin Ballout, dual U.S.–Lebanese citizen, files Case No. 2:25-cv-12727-SJM-DRG in Detroit Federal Court, calling out colonial rhetoric and misconduct in Lebanon-Israel diplomacy.
NEW YORK, NY, September 02, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Benjamin Ballout, a dual U.S. and Lebanese citizen, global investor, and Chairman of Diplomatic Trade Ltd., has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack.
Filed under Case No. 2:25-cv-12727-SJM-DRG on August 28, 2025, the lawsuit charges Ambassador Barrack with defamation, reckless misconduct, and degrading rhetoric following remarks in Beirut where he described Lebanese journalists as "animalistic" and invoked "colonial superiority."
"When an American Ambassador labels Lebanese journalists 'animalistic' and cloaks diplomacy in colonial arrogance, it is not statesmanship — it is degradation," said Dr. Ballout. "This case is not about money. It is about dignity, sovereignty, and defending Lebanon's voice at the negotiating table."
Barrack has served as a U.S. emissary in sensitive Lebanon-Israel negotiations. Dr. Ballout warns that such language undermines America's credibility as a mediator.
"Peace cannot be negotiated only with politicians. Real peace begins with the people. Disrespecting them sabotages the process."
Global Implications
The lawsuit highlights violations of:
• Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Article 41 – diplomats must respect the dignity of host states.
• 22 U.S.C. §3905 (Foreign Service Act) – ambassadors must uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct.
• U.S. Constitutional Values – protecting press freedom and equality.
Dr. Ballout have filed complaints with:
• United Nations Human Rights Council (Geneva)
• U.S. State Department Office of Inspector General
• Congressional Oversight Committees (House Foreign Affairs, Senate Foreign Relations)
Dr. Ballout concluded: "The dignity of Lebanon and its people is not negotiable. Colonial rhetoric has no place in 21st-century diplomacy."
A Call for Accountability
This case is designed not only as a legal battle, but as a global statement:
• To Washington: U.S. Ambassadors cannot degrade foreign nations while pretending to mediate peace.
• To Beirut: The Lebanese people's dignity is not negotiable.
• To the World: Colonial rhetoric has no place in 21st-century diplomacy.
ABOUT DR. BENJAMIN BALLOUT
Dr. Ballout is Chairman & CEO of Diplomatic Trade Ltd. (USA, UK, EU, lebanon) and Diplomatic Trade Capital. He is known for pioneering "infrastructure diplomacy," sovereign capital advisory, and multipolar cooperation initiatives.
Media Contact:
Diplomatic Trade Ltd. – Media Office
Www.diplomatictrade.com
Benjamin.ballout@diplomatictrade.com | +1 718-709-7099
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