Samoa Prime Minister Apologises After 2007 Nazi Salute Video Surfaces

Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has issued a public apology after a video recording surfaced showing him performing a Nazi salute and uttering the phrase "Heil Hitler" during a family gathering nearly two decades ago. The footage, which runs for approximately seven seconds, was filmed in July 2007 and has sparked significant controversy in the Pacific island nation and beyond.

In the clip, Schmidt is visible leading a group of roughly twelve individuals in the gesture. He instructs those present to raise their right hands before exclaiming "Heil Hitler," and subsequently thanks the group for complying with his direction. The video was first brought to public attention by the Samoa Observer, a local news organisation, which published a report on the footage on Sunday.

The prime minister responded to the revelations with a statement released on Facebook on Monday. In his remarks, Schmidt acknowledged that both his words and the physical gesture "were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt." He further explained that the recording captured a private gathering and was "not intended for the public." The statement represents his first public response since the video began circulating.

Schmidt also used the opportunity to distance himself from the ideology associated with the salute. "I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism," he stated, seeking to clarify his personal position on such matters. The apology comes as Schmidt attempts to manage the political fallout from the emergence of the footage.

According to information provided by the Samoa Observer, the video was recorded during a Schmidt family reunion in July 2007. At that time, Schmidt held the position of deputy speaker of parliament. The outlet quoted a family member who confirmed that Schmidt was serving as the master of ceremonies at the gathering when the incident occurred. This detail provides context regarding his role during the event and the nature of the setting.

Samoa, a small island nation with a population of approximately 221,000 people, is located roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. The country has a complex historical relationship with Germany, having been under German colonial control during the early part of the twentieth century. This period of colonisation came to an end shortly after the outbreak of World War One, a conflict that reshaped global colonial holdings and led to the transfer of various territories.

The prime minister's personal background reflects a connection to both Samoan and German heritage, a factor that may add a layer of complexity to the public's reception of the video and his subsequent apology. Schmidt assumed office as Samoa's eighth prime minister in September 2025, marking the beginning of his tenure as the nation's leader. The emergence of this footage presents an early challenge to his premiership.

Since taking office, Schmidt has taken notable positions on international matters, particularly regarding religious and geopolitical issues. During his swearing-in ceremony, he chose to wear a Jewish prayer shawl, a decision that drew attention given the significance of the garment in Jewish religious practice. This act was widely interpreted as a gesture of respect and solidarity.

Furthermore, Schmidt has expressed clear support for Israel during the initial period of his leadership. He has been quoted as saying that Samoa "stood with Israel," indicating a firm alignment with the nation on the international stage. In a statement that underscores his religious convictions, he remarked, "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 comments highlight the centrality of his faith in shaping his foreign policy stance.

The juxtaposition of Schmidt's stated rejection of antisemitism and his past display of a Nazi salute has raised questions about the consistency of his public positions. The Nazi regime, responsible for the Holocaust and the systematic murder of six million Jews, is universally condemned, and symbols associated with it are widely regarded as hateful and deeply offensive. The emergence of the video therefore carries significant weight, particularly given Schmidt's more recent declarations.

The apology issued by the prime minister seeks to address the immediate controversy, but the incident may continue to generate discussion regarding his judgement and the appropriateness of his past conduct. The explanation that the event was private and not intended for public viewing does not negate the fact that the gesture and words are now part of the public record. The speed with which the footage was reported and the prime minister's response indicates an awareness of the potential damage to his reputation and his government.

The reaction within Samoa and among the international community will likely be a subject of ongoing observation. The incident touches upon issues of historical memory, the legacy of colonialism, and the standards expected of contemporary political leaders. For a nation with a significant history of German colonial influence, the display of Nazi imagery carries particular resonance, even if the event occurred in a seemingly informal setting.

As the situation develops, the focus will remain on how the prime minister's apology is received by the Samoan public, the Jewish community, and international observers. The statement posted to Facebook represents an initial attempt to contain the controversy, but the long-term implications for Schmidt's leadership and Samoa's international standing remain to be seen. The incident serves as a reminder of the enduring sensitivity surrounding symbols of the Nazi era and the importance of historical consciousness in public life.