Understand
Samoa's Prime Minister apologises after 2007 video emerges showing him giving a Nazi salute
Overview
Samoa's Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, has issued an apology after a video from July 2007 emerged showing him giving a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler" at a family gathering. Schmidt, who took office in September 2025 and has Samoan and German heritage, stated that he rejects Nazism, antisemitism, racism, and all forms of political extremism.
Key points
- Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologised for a 2007 video showing him performing a Nazi salute.
- The seven-second clip, filmed at a family reunion in July 2007, shows Schmidt leading a group in saying "Heil Hitler".
- Schmidt acknowledged that his words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offence, though he noted the video was private and not intended for the public.
- The footage was first reported by local media outlet the Samoa Observer.
- Schmidt took office as Samoa's prime minister in September 2025 and has previously expressed strong support for Israel.