US Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has stated he felt personally “insulted” by comments made by Minister Lamola. Bozell alleges this is another instance of a personal affront directed at a US leader by the minister. He is currently reporting the incident, indicating he will pursue a formal diplomatic protest – a “démarche” – with the South African government. The ambassador made these statements from Pretoria, suggesting the incident occurred or was discussed while in the city. This incident marks an escalation in tensions between the US and South Africa regarding interactions between high-ranking officials. Bozell did not detail the specific comments that prompted his reaction, but framed them as a deliberate offense. The situation raises questions about the current state of diplomatic relations between the two nations.