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Samoa PM apologises after Nazi salute video emerges

Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has issued a formal apology after a leaked video from 2007 emerged online, showing him performing a Nazi salute and shouting "Heil Hitler." The footage, recorded during a private family event on the island of Savai'i when he served as deputy speaker of Parliament, has drawn swift condemnation and political scrutiny. Schmidt stated that his actions were inappropriate, capable of causing offense and hurt, and did not reflect his true beliefs. Meanwhile, the political opposition remains unconvinced regarding his stance on Nazism.

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  • ✓ Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a video from 2007 emerged showing him performing a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler."
  • ✓ Schmidt acknowledged in an official statement that his actions were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt.
  • ✓ The video was recorded during a private family gathering on Savai'i, Samoa's largest island, while Schmidt was serving as deputy speaker of Parliament.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 28 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~3 min

What changed

A previously unseen video from 2007 surfaced showing the current Samoan prime minister performing a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler," prompting a public apology.

Live updates

  1. Samoa PM Apologizes for 2007 Nazi Salute Video

    Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has issued a formal apology after a leaked video from 2007 emerged online, showing him performing a Nazi salute and shouting "Heil Hitler." The footage, recorded during a private family event on the island of Savai'i when he served as deputy speaker of Parliament, has drawn swift condemnation and political scrutiny. Schmidt stated that his actions were inappropriate, capable of causing offense and hurt, and did not reflect his true beliefs. Meanwhile, the political opposition remains unconvinced regarding his stance on Nazism.

    Why it matters

    The surfacing of the 2007 footage places intense pressure on the Pacific island nation's current leadership, forcing the prime minister to publicly distance himself from the gesture. Although Schmidt stated the words and actions do not align with his personal values, domestic critics continue to question his suitability for office. The scandal highlights how archived personal recordings can re-emerge years later to disrupt modern political careers.

    What is confirmed

    • Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a video from 2007 emerged showing him performing a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler."
    • Schmidt acknowledged in an official statement that his actions were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt.
    • The video was recorded during a private family gathering on Savai'i, Samoa's largest island, while Schmidt was serving as deputy speaker of Parliament.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Samoa's opposition leader stated he is not convinced that the prime minister is not privately sympathetic to Nazi ideals.

    What to watch next

    • Further statements or actions from Samoa's political opposition regarding the prime minister's position
    • Potential parliamentary or public responses to the resurfaced video
    Sources used for this update (32)
    1. Al Jazeera — Samoa PM apologises after Nazi salute video emerges
    2. CNN — Samoan leader apologizes for ‘Heil Hitler’ salute at 2007 family reunion
    3. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Samoan PM apologises for 'heil Hitler' salute at family event in 2007
    4. The Times of Israel — Samoan PM apologizes for resurfaced ‘Heil Hitler’ video
    5. Samoa Global News — Statement by the Prime Minister on “Heil Hitler” Issue
    6. AP News — Samoa prime minister apologizes for Nazi gesture and saying ‘Heil Hitler’ in 2007 video
    7. Samoa Observer — The PM’s ‘Heil Hitler’ moment
    8. The Independent — Samoan prime minister apologises for Nazi gesture in leaked video
    9. The Batesville Daily Guard — Samoa PM Nazi Salute Apology
    10. Ynetnews — Pro-Israel Samoa prime minister apologizes after Nazi salute video resurfaces
    11. BBC — Samoa leader apologises for Nazi salute after video from 2007 emerges
    12. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/05 Links Pt2: ‘An entire nation bows its head and mourns’: Israel marks memorial day for Oct. 7; I....
    confidence 100%
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