By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2026-10-05 15:00:47 | Updated at 2026-10-05 17:12:53
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Samoa’s Prime Minister has apologized after a video emerged of him saying “Heil Hitler” and performing a Nazi salute in 2007.
La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, who is of German-Samoan ancestry, said in a statement via the PM’s office on Monday that the “historical video footage” was taken at a “private family gathering” and was “not intended for the public.”
According to the Samoa Observer, the video was filmed at a Schmidt family reunion in Safotu, Savai’i, in July 2007, when Schmidt was an MP and deputy speaker of parliament.
The seven-second clip reportedly shows Schmidt holding a microphone in his left hand as he calls out “hip, hip!” and people around him respond “hooray!”
He then leads the crowd in a Nazi salute, saying, “Raise your right hand, Heil Hitler!”
Around 13 people are reportedly visible in the footage as the camera pans, showing others raising their right hands and repeating the salute, before Schmidt says “thank you” in Samoan.
The video does not show what happened immediately before or after the exchange, according to the Samoa Observer.
Schmidt was reportedly one of the main organizers and MC for the reunion.
“Whatever the context or intention at that gathering 20 years ago, I recognise that those words and gestures were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt and I apologise for using them,” Schmidt said.
“I reject Nazism, anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of political extremism. They do not reflect my personal beliefs, nor the values of the Government or people of Samoa as in the public record of statements I made since becoming Prime Minister.”
Schmidt wore a Jewish prayer shawl when he was sworn in as prime minister in 2025, entering the room to the sound of a ceremonial “shofar” horn.
“I stand for Israel, the land of God,” he said at the time, according to local media.
“Samoa will stand up and support the holy land of God.”
Deeply religious Pacific nations like Samoa hold strong beliefs in Old Testament prophecy, which holds that Jews are destined to one day return to the Land of Israel.
“Samoa is a constitutional democracy founded upon respect for human dignity, the rule of law, Parliament, our courts, our traditional institutions and freedom of expression,” Schmidt said.
“My government remains committed to those principles.
“In June this year, we celebrated and honoured our national heroes and leaders who fought and died for our country’s independence from colonial rule. We continue to celebrate the strength of our culture that identify and unite us as a people and as a sovereign and independent nation.
“I respect that those of us who hold public office, and where criticism is justified, we must be prepared to listen and take responsibility.
“Our country faces important economic and social challenges. My responsibility as Prime Minister is to continue the work already laid out to strengthen our economy, creating opportunities for our people and serving all of Samoa.
“I consider this matter addressed as I remain focused on the huge responsibilities ahead of us all.”
— with AFP
