Samoa Prime Minister apologizes for 2007 Nazi salute footage

Samoan Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt has issued an apology following the emergence of video footage from 2007 showing him using Nazi imagery. The footage, which was recently released by the Samoa Observer, depicts the Prime Minister at a private family gathering on Savai’i using the phrase “Heil Hitler” and performing a Nazi salute while holding a microphone.

In an official statement, Schmidt acknowledged that the words and gestures were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt. He stated that the actions shown in the video do not reflect his personal beliefs or the values of the Samoan government and people. Schmidt further emphasized his rejection of Nazism, antisemitism, racism, and political extremism, reaffirming his commitment to Samoa’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.