Samoa PM Apologises After Old Video Shows Nazi Salute at Family Event

Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has issued a public apology after a video surfaced showing him performing a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler" at a family gathering nearly two decades ago.

The seven-second clip, filmed in July 2007, shows Schmidt leading roughly a dozen people in the gesture. In the footage, he instructs those present to raise their right hands before uttering the phrase. He then thanks the group for complying with his instruction.

The video was first brought to public attention by the Samoa Observer, which published a story on Sunday. According to the local newspaper, the recording was made at a Schmidt family reunion in July 2007, at a time when Schmidt held the position of deputy speaker of parliament. The outlet quoted a family member who said Schmidt had been serving as master of ceremonies for the occasion.

In response to the emergence of the footage, Schmidt released a statement on Facebook on Monday acknowledging that his words and actions were inappropriate. He said the gesture and phrase were "capable of causing offence and hurt" and noted that the clip had been recorded at a private gathering and was "not intended for the public."

The prime minister also sought to distance himself from the ideology associated with the salute, stating: "I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism." The statement represents his first public comment on the matter since the video began circulating.

The controversy is particularly sensitive given Schmidt's personal background and political positions. Schmidt, who has both Samoan and German heritage, assumed office as the country's eighth prime minister in September 2025. His mixed ancestry carries historical weight in a nation that was under German colonial control in the early 20th century, a period that ended shortly after the outbreak of World War One.

Samoa, a small island nation with a population of approximately 221,000, is located roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. Its colonial history has left a complex legacy, and the prime minister's German lineage has been a subject of public interest since he took office.

Since becoming prime minister, Schmidt has taken notable positions on international religious and political matters. During his swearing-in ceremony, he wore a Jewish prayer shawl, a gesture that signalled his alignment with Jewish religious traditions. He has also been vocal in his support for Israel, particularly during the early days of his premiership.

In previous remarks, Schmidt said Samoa "stood with Israel," adding: "If people around the world don't like it, that's up to them, but Samoa stands with the land of God... There is only one God our country believes in, the God of Israel." These statements have positioned him as a staunch supporter of Israel on the international stage.

The timing of the video's emergence raises questions about its potential impact on Schmidt's political standing both domestically and internationally. While the footage dates back to 2007, its resurfacing at a time when the prime minister has publicly aligned himself with Jewish and Israeli causes creates an uncomfortable juxtaposition that critics may seize upon.

The apology comes as Schmidt continues to navigate the complexities of leading a small Pacific nation with a colonial past and a leader of mixed heritage. The incident underscores the challenges facing public figures whose past actions, even those occurring in private settings years ago, can resurface in the digital age and spark international attention.

Political observers in the region will be watching closely to see whether the apology is sufficient to quell criticism or whether the controversy will have lasting implications for Schmidt's premiership. For now, the prime minister has made clear his rejection of the ideology behind the gesture, attempting to draw a line between a decades-old private moment and his current political values.

The Samoa Observer's reporting brought the video into the public domain, highlighting the role of local media in holding public officials accountable, even for events that occurred long before they assumed their current positions. The family member quoted by the newspaper confirmed the context of the gathering, though the full circumstances surrounding the recording remain largely as described by Schmidt himself.

As Samoa's leader, Schmidt faces the task of reassuring both his domestic constituents and international partners that the sentiments expressed in the video do not reflect his current views or the values of his government. His statement on Facebook represents an attempt to address the controversy directly, though the political fallout may continue to unfold in the coming days.