Families in Lalomanu are furious that pictures of their families graves were put on social media without consent from the family.

The incident is linked to the infamous Tik Tok videos that surfaced on social media a fortnight ago.

Families are claiming that the influencer and his friends released videos showing the graves of a family just above from the beaches, talking about how Samoans bury their families in front of their houses. 

Family member, Pouvi Aulaumea-Fuimaono said the tourists had gone too far exploited their culture and tradional customs.

"I believe that the complete stranger who trespassed on my family's land and private property and then without permission went on to record the graves of my late grandfather and great uncle was indeed being very disrespectful," he said.

Fuimaono claimed his family was saddened and hurt by the whole experience.

"My extended family and I are aware that the video has been shared on TikTok and has received over 500,000 views from viewers all over the world," he said. 

"We are saddened by the fact that the tourist who committed this act had no regard for my family and I and showed no remorse at all by posting our private property on a well-known social media platform for all to see."

Mr Fuimaono said if the tourists had asked for permissions, things would have been explained to him.

"If he had merely asked and received approval from my relatives who live on the land, he would have been more than welcome to film my family's private property and graves," he said.

"I believe he should have refrained from filming or taking any photos if he knew no one was on the property at the time unless you receive permission from the land's legal owners."

Fuimaono said most of his family members live overseas.

 "Since we try to make a living outside of Samoa and support our families who live in Samoa, the majority of our family members live abroad. Given that there are currently only a small number of family members living on the land, I am convinced that none of this would have happened if there were more of us there," he said.

He also advised families in Samoa to be aware of tourists who are rude and do not follow the proper protocols.

 "I advise families in Samoa to be aware of their surroundings so that this never occurs again. I hope and pray to God that this won't happen again to my family and to other families in our beautiful nation of Samoa," he said.

Fuimaono also stated that this is an opportunity for the government to be reminded of protecting Samoa's cultural heritage.

"The government should take further steps to protect our culture and heritage from being misrepresented by ignorant visitors who mistakenly believe that the freedoms and legal systems they are used to in their home countries apply equally to our independent nation," he said.

"Travellers should be advised to speak with tourism business owners, such as the custodians of sites and attractions, before engaging in activities and experiences to avoid trouble when they arrive in Samoa. 

"Protecting the nation's history, cultural industries, and culture requires our continued commitment. Our cultural heritage and culture are highly regarded as sources of knowledge that have influenced the creation of our cultural policies."

The Samoa Tourism Authority have stated that they had no links to the tourists that were responsible for the incident and also stated that the videos had done very little to impact tourism in Samoa.