Samoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after historical video footage emerged showing him using the words "Heil Hitler" and making a gesture associated with Nazi Germany.

The footage was recorded during a private family gathering in Savai'i in 2007, when Mr Leuatea Schmidt was serving as deputy speaker of Samoa's Parliament.

The seven-second video reportedly shows Mr Leuatea Schmidt holding a microphone before encouraging a group of people at the gathering to raise their right hands and repeat the phrase.

Mr Leuatea Schmidt addressed the footage in a public statement after it was reported in the media, acknowledging his actions were inappropriate regardless of the circumstances surrounding the gathering.

He apologised for the words and gesture shown in the video.

"I recognise that those words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt and I apologise for using them," Mr Leuatea Schmidt said.

"I reject Nazism, antisemitism, 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."

Mr Leuatea Schmidt, who has German and Samoan heritage, became Samoa's Prime Minister in 2025 following a snap election after former prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa failed to pass the national budget.

Germany controlled Western Samoa, now Samoa, from 1900 until World War I, with German colonial rule leaving an ongoing historical connection through infrastructure and families descended from German settlers.

Mr Leuatea Schmidt also used his statement to reaffirm his government's commitment to Samoa's democratic institutions and the country's independence.

He pointed to Samoa's history and the importance of accountability for people holding public office.

"I respect that those of us who hold public office, and where criticism is justified, we must be prepared to listen and take responsibility," Mr Leuatea Schmidt said.

"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."

The controversy comes amid a separate dispute between Mr Leuatea Schmidt's government and the Samoa Observer.

The government recently reaffirmed a ban preventing the newspaper from accessing the Prime Minister and covering government events and functions.

The Government Press Secretariat had previously lodged a formal complaint with the Media Council over several articles published by the newspaper, alleging breaches of media ethics.

The Media Council is yet to release its decision on the complaint.

Mr Leuatea Schmidt indicated he would not make further comment on the video and would instead focus on his responsibilities as Prime Minister.

"I consider this matter addressed as I remain focused on the huge responsibilities ahead of us all," he said.