PM apologizes over ‘Heil Hitler’ video

SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — Samoa’s prime minister apologized on Monday after video surfaced showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi gesture.

Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt said the footage was from a family gathering almost 20 years old and was never meant to see the light of day.

“The footage shows me using the words ‘Heil Hitler’ and participating in a gesture associated with Nazi Germany in a private family gathering — not intended for the public,” he said in a statement.

“Whatever the context or intention at that gathering 20 years ago, I recognize that those words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offense and hurt and I apologize for using them.”

Schmidt has previously voiced his staunch support for Israel and has committed to opening an embassy in Jerusalem before the end of the year.

“I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism,” he said.