Samoa leader apologises for Nazi salute after video from 2007 emerges
Samoa Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt issued an apology after a video from 2007 surfaced showing him performing a Nazi salute and shouting "Heil Hitler." The footage, captured during a family reunion nearly two decades ago, spread widely online. Schmidt acknowledged his past actions were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt, stating that the recording does not reflect his current beliefs. The Pacific island nation leader has previously maintained pro-Israel stances, making the resurfaced archival footage particularly jarring for international observers.
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- ✓ Samoa Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt apologized after an old video surfaced of him performing a Nazi salute at a 2007 family reunion.
- ✓ The footage shows the prime minister leading a chorus of "Heil Hitler."
- ✓ Schmidt stated that his actions were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt.
- ✓ The prime minister asserted that the 2007 video does not reflect his beliefs.
What changed
A archival video emerged publicly showing the prime minister performing a Nazi salute and shouting "Heil Hitler" at a family gathering in 2007.
Live updates
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Samoan Prime Minister Apologizes for 2007 Nazi Salute Video
Samoa Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt issued an apology after a video from 2007 surfaced showing him performing a Nazi salute and shouting "Heil Hitler." The footage, captured during a family reunion nearly two decades ago, spread widely online. Schmidt acknowledged his past actions were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt, stating that the recording does not reflect his current beliefs. The Pacific island nation leader has previously maintained pro-Israel stances, making the resurfaced archival footage particularly jarring for international observers.
Why it matters
The resurfacing of historical media continues to catch public figures off guard years after private gatherings take place. Leaders facing abrupt scandals over past behavior often struggle to contain the fallout when old recordings re-enter digital circulation. This particular incident forces the prime minister to reconcile his current political posture with a disturbing private action captured on tape long before his tenure.
What is confirmed
- Samoa Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt apologized after an old video surfaced of him performing a Nazi salute at a 2007 family reunion.
- The footage shows the prime minister leading a chorus of "Heil Hitler."
- Schmidt stated that his actions were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt.
- The prime minister asserted that the 2007 video does not reflect his beliefs.
What to watch next
- Any potential political fallout or official statements from domestic opposition parties in Samoa
- Reactions from international diplomatic partners regarding the prime minister's apology
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (13)
- Al Jazeera — Samoa PM apologises after Nazi salute video emerges
- CNN — Samoan leader apologizes for ‘Heil Hitler’ salute at 2007 family reunion
- Samoa Observer — The PM’s ‘Heil Hitler’ moment
- Ynetnews — Pro-Israel Samoa prime minister apologizes after Nazi salute video resurfaces
- BBC — Samoa leader apologises for Nazi salute after video from 2007 emerges
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/05 Links Pt2: ‘An entire nation bows its head and mourns’: Israel marks memorial day for Oct. 7; I....
- www.bbc.com — Samoa leader apologises for Nazi salute after video from 2007 emerges
- www.aljazeera.com — Samoa PM apologises after Nazi salute video emerges | News
- www.yahoo.com — Two-faced anti-Trumper Jack Smith spotted at TDS hate-fest
- www.cnn.com — Samoan leader apologizes for ‘Heil Hitler’ salute at 2007 ...
- www.abc.net.au — Samoa's prime minister apologises over Nazi salute 'heil ...
- nypost.com — Samoa PM apologizes for saying ‘Heil Hitler,' performing Nazi ...
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