MINNEAPOLIS – The organizer of a World War II party that included Nazi flags and men in SS uniforms apologized Wednesday after a photo of the event in Minneapolis provoked outrage on the Internet.
Scott Steben had said earlier that the Jan. 20 dinner was a Christmas party and an exercise for period actors. But in an apology reported by the Star Tribune on Wednesday, Steben said his group understands that some items displayed at the dinner “have made people feel uncomfortable.” He said, “That was not our intent.”
“We are a historical re-enactment and professional actor society dedicated to promoting understanding of World War II. In no way are we or any of our members affiliated with groups that promote the subjugation of anyone,” the statement read.
Steben didn’t immediately respond to a phone message and email from The Associated Press.
The dinner featured men in SS and German Army uniforms, as well as Nazi banners hung on the walls of a German restaurant booked for the event. A photo from the party was first posted online by the alternative weekly City Pages.