Fiame seeks $1.1M in defamation lawsuit against Laaulialemalietoa

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 16 October 2025 – Former Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa has filed a defamation lawsuit of $1.1 million tala against Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt at the Supreme Court.

The legal action stemmed from Laauli’s allegation of Fiame’s alleged involvement in the death of the late Professor Sinavaiana Caroline Gabbard at Vaivase last year.

Laauli allegedly made the claim during the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party roadshow at the Faasaleleaga 4 constituency in July this year.

Also sued is Lise Marie Schmidt, a relative of Laauli who claimed that she was allegedly instructed by Fiame to retrieve evidence said to be connected to the death of Dr. Gabbard.

Lise is responsible for the letters she wrote to the Attorney General, the then Minister of Police Faualo Harry Schuster asking for an investigation into the alleged involvement of Fiame in Gabbard’s death.

A copy of the letter was also sent the office of the Head of State.

Lise’s claim was investigated by police that found no concrete evidence to prove the claim and is facing 19 charges including “conspiracy or attempt to defeat or pervert the course of justice by making false allegations and complaint to police.”

The court has yet to set a date to hear the civil claim.