Source: SUP Party. Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa has this week filed a $1.1m tala defamation law suit against Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa over murder allegations in relation to the high profile murder investigation relating to renowned artist, Papalii Sia Figiel.
A post on the Samoa Uniting Party socials confirms the former Prime has launched a $1.1 million defamation action in the Supreme Court of Samoa, accusing current Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and his cousin Lise Marie Schmidt of “spreading false and malicious claims” that she interfered in the investigation linked to the death of Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard.
Dr. Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard was an American Samoan academic, writer, poet, and environmentalist who taught at the University of Hawaii and the American Samoa Community College. She was the first Samoan to become a full professor in the United States.
Retired and moved back to Samoa, Professor Caroline Gabbard was viciously killed in the GaluMoana Theater at Vaivase-uta in May 2024.
The civil suit, filed on Monday 14 October at Mulinu‘u, alleges Hon Laaulialemalietoa and Lise Marie Schmidt had circulated false statements implying that Fiame ordered the removal and concealment of evidence related to the death of Professor Caroline Gabbard.
Professor Gabbard’s killing in May 2024 shocked Samoa and drew international scrutiny.
The claim centres on remarks delivered by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa during a FAST Party rally held on 16 July 2025 at Fa‘asaleleaga No 4 district in Savai‘i.
According to the filed statement, Laaulialemalietoa told supporters that someone from Savai‘i was ready to testify that Fiame had given instructions to remove evidence related to the death of Dr Caroline.
Laauli had questioned, “Why is this sin being covered up?” adding that Fiame had refused to call in overseas police to assist with the murder investigation, an apparent reference to Professor Gabbard’s death.
Fiame’s legal team contends that these words, and their natural meaning were false, defamatory, politically motivated, and intended to suggest that she interfered with an active murder inquiry.
Due Friday 17 October 2025!
The claim alleges that Fiame had given instructions to destroy or conceal evidence, then lied to the public about her involvement and sought to protect others involved in the crime.
Fiame’s statement of claim asserts that Laaulialemalietoa’s remarks were cynical and irresponsible, delivered during the height of a political campaign to inflict maximum hurt and damage on her reputation.
Fiame further claims that Laaulialemalietoa knew the allegations were false and failed to verify their accuracy before making them publicly.
Fiame is seeking $500,000 in general damages, $50,000 in exemplary damages, and legal costs from the Prime Minister.
The second part of the law suit targets Lise Marie Schmidt, who is accused of writing two letters dated 3 March 2025 – one to the Attorney General and another to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali‘ifano Va‘aleto‘a Sualauvi II.
The letters were also copied to the Minister of Police and Prisons Hon. Faualo Harry Schuster, and the Commissioner of Police, Auapa‘au Logoitino Filipo.
In those letters, the Second Defendant or Lise Marie allegedly accuses Fiame of ordering the concealment of Professor Gabbard’s phone and tablet. It alleges that Fiame was in communication with the killer, and alleges Fiame attempted to dissuade the accused from reporting the matter to authorities.
Fiame’s million tala claim asserts that these allegations were entirely fabricated, made dishonestly and maliciously, and intended to sabotage Fiame’s political credibility.
Fiame seeks a further $500,000 in general damages, $50,000 in exemplary damages, and associated costs from the Second Defendant.
Prominent Samoan contemporary novelist, Papalii Sia Figiel was charged with the murder of Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard who was found dead by police at Papalii’s GaluMoana Theater at Vaivase-uta, on Sunday 26 May 2024.
SNPF Tender
A 3-day trial was held before Supreme Court Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma in August 2025. Prosecution presented 13 witnesses including a Police Forensic Specialist who had submitted three large albums of photographs taken at the crime scene as well as the morgue.
Forensic Pathologist, Dr. James Kalougaviki, had given evidence on horrific postmortem findings. Dr Kalougivaki testified that the cause of death was from severe traumatic head injury, resulting from extensive blunt force trauma.
Fiame is represented by Counsel Alexander Su‘a, with Miss Muriel Lui acting on behalf of the First Defendant. A hearing date is yet to be set by the court.
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