Lebanese-American YouTuber Freed After Haiti Kidnapping
Lebanese-American YouTuber and storyteller Addison Pierre Maalouf has been released after reportedly being kidnapped in Haiti.
Addison Pierre Maalouf, known as YourFellowArab, traveled from his home in Georgia to Haiti to interview Jimmy “Barbecue” Cerisier, who is “the most powerful gang leader in the country.”
On March 14, 2024, YourFellowArab “was taken by a gang known as the 400 Mawozo.” The gang is led by kingpin Lanmo 100 Jou, who is on the FBI’s most wanted list.
On March 29, 2024, Twitch streamer Lalem confirmed YourFellowArab’s kidnapping in an X post.
Tried keeping it private for 2 weeks, but it’s getting out everywhere now, Yes Arab has been kidnapped in Haiti and we’re working on getting him out. Love yall he’ll be out soon ❤️
— Lalem (@Lalem) March 29, 2024
Sources reported that the gang had demanded $600,000 in ransom, of which $40,000 was paid.
Maalouf was released from custody on March 30, 2024, and claimed to have been kidnapped due to his skin color.
I was kidnapped purely for the color of my skin. I was kidnapped for being a “Blanc”.
Can’t give any more detail till I’m home, but all I will say for now is – Glory be to God. Released between Good Friday & Easter, Christ is King.
When you’re kidnapped in the middle of the…
— Arab (@YourFellowArab) March 30, 2024
While many of his followers on X expressed relief over his release, others accused him of faking the kidnapping as a publicity stunt.
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