SamoaSamoa PM Apologizes for Nazi Gesture
Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt apologizes for 2007 video showing him saying 'Heil Hitler' and making a Nazi gesture at a family reunion. He rejects Nazism, antisemitism, and racism, and has voiced support for Israel in the past.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Samoa's Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt has apologized for a 2007 video that shows him saying 'Heil Hitler' and making a Nazi gesture at a family reunion.
The video, which was made public by the Samoa Observer, shows Schmidt holding a microphone and encouraging others to raise their right hands in a Nazi salute.
Schmidt, who was the deputy speaker of Samoa's Parliament in 2007, said the video was filmed at a private family gathering and was not intended for the public.
He apologized for using the words and gesture, saying they were 'inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt'.
Schmidt has led the South Pacific island nation of 220,000 people since winning an election in August 2025.
He has been a staunch supporter of Israel, and has pledged to open a Samoan embassy in Jerusalem before the end of 2026.
The apology comes as Pacific media groups have criticized Schmidt for barring the Samoa Observer from covering government news conferences and events.
The Observer has called the ban 'authoritarian', and Pacific media groups have urged Schmidt to reverse the decision.
Key facts
- Samoa's Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt apologized for a 2007 video showing him making a Nazi gesture.
- The video was filmed at a family reunion and shows Schmidt saying 'Heil Hitler'.
- Schmidt has rejected Nazism, antisemitism, and racism.
- He has been a supporter of Israel and has pledged to open a Samoan embassy in Jerusalem.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The apology has been accepted by some, but others have criticized Schmidt for not explaining the context of the video. The incident has sparked debate about the Prime Minister's stance on Israel and his relationship with the media.
Positive
Schmidt's apology has been seen as a positive step, as it acknowledges the hurt caused by his actions. His support for Israel has also been welcomed by some in the Pacific region.
Negative
Critics have accused Schmidt of being insensitive and authoritarian, and have questioned his judgment in making the Nazi gesture. The ban on the Samoa Observer has also been criticized as an attack on press freedom.
Your week in news, every Wednesday
The biggest stories of the week for your edition, in your inbox every Wednesday morning, your time. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.