20 Respected People Who Turned Out to Be NAZI Sympathizers

Added: 2026-05-15

[00:00:00]The architect of her own image, Chanel always took care not to reveal too much.

[00:00:05]>> Welcome to Watch Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for historical figures who are widely admired, but whose legacies are complicated by controversial associations with the Nazi party. These are moments where reputation and history collide in uncomfortable and surprising ways.

[00:00:23]Suddenly, anti-semitism was being dispersed by one of the wealthiest, best known people in America.

[00:00:35]Number 20, Ingmar Bergman. The man who redefined the phenomenon of cinema had a past that cast a long shadow over his legacy. Acclaimed Swedish director Ingmar Bergman admitted later in life that as a teenager, he had been drawn to Nazi ideology. Much like many other youths of his time, Bergman was captivated by Adolf Hitler's charisma, a reality that he later confronted in his life with regret.

[00:01:05]>> Bergman's personal confession about his beliefs stands in sharp contrast to his artistic achievements in which he has explored complex themes of the human condition and the painful nature of human relationships.

[00:01:31]his past beliefs demonstrate the power of propaganda and personality cults.

[00:01:36]While his admission remains a sobering reminder of how perception can change over time, >> it's the only thing I have to be loyal to. It's the picture and the people uh around me uh together with me making the picture. Everything else is of no importance.

[00:01:54]>> Number 19, PG W House. Humor doesn't always land the way you want it. British humorist PG Wouse lived this harsh truth after being captured by German forces in France during World War II. It is a somber story of honor porned to the Nazis for the price of a soft bed in a luxury hotel.

[00:02:16]It is the record of PG Woodhouse ending 40 years of money-making fun with the worst joke he ever made in his life.

[00:02:24]>> What followed was a series of radio broadcasts that Wouse delivered. He described these broadcasts as light-hearted reflections of his internment under the control of Nazi forces. Unfortunately, not everyone saw it that way. The broadcasts were intended for American audiences, but many in Britain viewed them differently, interpreting them as a form of cooperation with enemy propaganda.

[00:02:48]>> He he must have known everybody knew how Hitler behaved and what a monster he was.

[00:02:53]>> The reaction was swift and critical, damaging his reputation significantly at the time. Regardless of his stated intentions, the broadcasts placed W House in a position that raised lasting questions about judgment and responsibility.

[00:03:08]I'm so terribly sorry.

[00:03:10]>> Number 18, Christian Dior. Fashion can continue even under occupation. During World War II, Christian Dior worked for designer Lucian Leong in Paris. All the while, the city was under Nazi control.

[00:03:24]In his role, Dior helped design clothing for clients that reportedly included wives and associates of high-ranking German officials.

[00:03:32]>> There is the truth, but there's always another truth that lives behind it.

[00:03:40]>> Dior himself never publicly expressed support for Nazi ideology, making his actions and inclusions more about circumstance and association than belief. In fact, there were members of Dior's family who openly resisted the Nazi regime. While Di'or continued to pursue fashion, his sister Catherine was actively involved in the French resistance. It is one passage of history that highlights the difficult choices faced by individuals navigating life under Nazi rule.

[00:04:10]>> What are we doing? And what are we doing? This these people terrify me. I'm sorry. Forgive me.

[00:04:19]But I think it dangerous to refuse them in the small service. I beg you.

[00:04:26]>> Number 17, Gart Catel. In a historical moment when scholarship became entangled with ideology, the respected theologian Ghart Catel actively tried to align his theological philosophies with Nazi racial ideology. Known for his work on the theological dictionary of the New Testament, Catel was a respected figure in the scholarly community. In fact, his father was an Old Testament scholar, so he got interested in the subject very early on.

[00:04:53]>> Unfortunately, he also supported interpretations that sought to reshape religious narratives to reflect contemporary political beliefs, especially those of the Nazi party.

[00:05:03]Catel was influenced by the prevailing systems of power in his time to reinforce broader ideological goals brought forth by the Nazis. The exposure of these efforts later raised important questions about Catel's own legacy and the relationship between academia and ideology.

[00:05:20]>> So when you see the theological dictionary of the New Testament in a library, keep in mind how easy it is to be influenced by the culture around you.

[00:05:32]>> Number 16, Joseph Campbell. His ideas shaped the foundations of storytelling and the hero's journey, but his views possibly leaned more towards the villains.

[00:05:43]>> Vader was seduced by the dark side of the force.

[00:05:47]>> American writer Joseph Campbell had a profound influence on literature and film. However, biographical accounts of his life have suggested that Campbell expressed an early interest in aspects of Nazi ideology during his younger days, with some even remarking that his initial reaction to Nazism was one of enthusiasm. Though these claims are disputed, they remain an open subject of discussion among scholars with widely varying interpretations. On one side stands Campbell's enduring intellectual legacy and on the other are the complexities of his personal views.

[00:06:21]Together they add layers of nuance to his hero's journey and to how his legacy is to be remembered by later generations.

[00:06:28]>> That is the basic motif of the hero journey. Leaving one condition, finding the source of life to bring you forth in a uh richer or more mature or other condition.

[00:06:43]>> Number 15, Ferdinand Porsche.

[00:06:46]Innovations often come at a cost.

[00:06:48]Sometimes in the form of a dirty legacy.

[00:06:50]A pioneering automotive engineer, Porsche helped develop the Volkswagen Beetle. Touted as the people's car, Porsche was commissioned to design the car by none other than Adolf Hitler himself to develop an affordable vehicle for the German populace. Porsche came up with several designs between 1934 and 1938. While in 1937, Gazelle Shaft Zoung Desin Volkswagens MBH was founded in Berlin. The connections don't stop there. Porsche was also a member of the Nazi party and an honorary leader of its paramilitary forces. The party supported his projects as part of its broader industrial vision where forced labor thrived under harsh conditions. Women from Poland were brought in as early as June 1940 with Soviet prisoners also forced to work at the plant from 1941 onwards. Despite the global impact of his engineering achievements, Porsche's story reflects how technological progress can be intertwined with political systems, raising lasting questions about accountability and historical context. Number 14, Richard Wagner. His music has endured the test of time, but so has the controversy.

[00:08:01]German composer Richard Wagner is one of the most influential figures of classical music.

[00:08:08]His operas and innovative style have continued to influence modern media, theater, and classical composition. But beneath his advanced harmonics, Wagner's writings stand out for its strong anti-semitic views, which later aligned with ideologies promoted during the Nazi era. The Furer himself was an admirer of Wagner's work, further linking his legacy to that period in public perception.

[00:08:39]>> Vagner's dramatic operas reflected Hitler's view of himself as an all powerful victor.

[00:08:44]>> Today, Wagner's compositions continue to be performed worldwide. And yet, his mixed legacy is a unique case study on the separation between artistic achievement and personal belief.

[00:08:56]You can only be a vagarian with a clear conscience if you're also willing and able to look at the other side of the coin which does exist.

[00:09:05]>> Number 13, Louis Vuitton. Brand reputation plays a major role in today's competitive marketplace and for the most elite, even the slightest controversy can prove disastrous.

[00:09:23]Among many other global luxury brands, Louis Vuitton has consistently ranked in the top. But not many know that its legacy is tied to a controversial chapter in history. During World War II, members of the Louis Vuitton family were linked to the Vichi government in Nazi occupied France. Historical accounts suggest that business operations continued under the regime with certain activities aligning closely with its leadership. In an era where commercial success seemingly intersected with political realities, these alleged associations have added complexity to the brand's history, showing how business can become entangled with governing powers during periods of occupation.

[00:10:06]Number 12, Salvador Dolly. Artists are not shy of their fair share of controversy. For Spanish surrealist Salvador Dolly, this came about a man he publicly admired. Reports from biographers indicate that Dolly expressed a bizarre and public admiration for Adolf Hitler in the 1930s, even referring to the dictator as a dream figure. He never clearly denounced fascism and instead described himself as a monarchist anarchist. In his system, the king should rule absolutely under which the people could enjoy the freedom of absolute anarchy.

[00:10:39]One of the most recognizable artists of the 20th century, Dolly was renowned for his skill and precise draftsmanship. But since his passing, Dolli's perspectives have been widely debated, it is yet another striking case of the contrast between an artist's imaginative creativity and the rigidity of the ideas he seems to admire. Though Dali remains influential in the art world, these reported views continue to shape discussions about the complexities behind his legacy. His politics remain a major point of contention for both fans and attractors. Number 11, Walt Disney.

[00:11:12]Admired by millions and the founder of an entertainment juggernaut, Walt Disney is a figure whose life has been shrouded in debate. Walt was aware of the gap between himself and the persona he had created for public consumption. I'm not Walt Disney, he once told a friend. I do a lot of things Walt Disney wouldn't do.

[00:11:33]the subject of an ongoing controversy.

[00:11:35]Some accounts claim Disney attended meetings linked to pro-Nazi groups, even hosting German filmmaker and Nazi propagandist Lenny Refenstall to his Hollywood studios. These claims remain debated among historians with no clear consensus on Disney's personal beliefs.

[00:11:51]What makes Disney's case especially notable is the contrast between his company's contributions to the US wartime efforts and these reported associations. Disney's life continues to captivate many to this day. His alleged identity as a quasi Nazi highlights how historical narratives can remain contested, even for figures whose influence shaped global culture. The evidence isn't strong enough to say without any doubt that he was a racist or anti-semitic, but there is enough to not completely let him off the hook. One thing for sure is that he had some pretty dodgy friends. Number 10, Edward VII.

[00:12:26]>> Wallace Simpson has been presented as the villain of the piece. What that did was it stopped everyone from really examining Edward and looking at the man he was and his motives.

[00:12:37]>> Following his abdication of the throne, Edward VIII became Duke of Windsor. In 1937, he and his wife Wallace Simpson famously visited Nazi Germany, personally met Adolf Hitler, and was even photographed giving a Nazi salute.

[00:12:51]Actions that were quickly and ferociously exploited by German propaganda.

[00:12:55]>> This is not about abdicating the throne.

[00:12:58]This is a man who will stop at nothing to usurp the throne. Edward wanted to come back as a Nazi installed leader.

[00:13:05]>> Edward was also known to hold pro-German views and captured documents also revealed Nazi hopes to reinstall Edward as king if Britain were to be defeated.

[00:13:13]In fact, it was so bad that British intelligence considered him a security risk to the country and he was sent away to the Bahamas. Though never explicitly proven to be a collaborator, Edward's actions showed at best exceedingly poor judgment regarding the Nazi regime.

[00:13:29]>> Even his weaknesses and his character didn't really prepare me for the sheer audacity of the way he behaved.

[00:13:37]>> Number nine, Tol Reber. After immigrating from Norway to the United States, Torquold Reber rose through the corporate ranks and became chairman of the prosperous oil company Texico in 1935. He also held many pro-fascist affiliations and is widely regarded as a Nazi sympathizer. Reber covertly supplied oil to dictator Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War, directly violating US neutrality laws.

[00:14:03]He also arranged oil shipments to Nazi Germany and tooured industrial sites with Herman Goring with German intelligence describing him as a sincere admirer of Hitler. And in 1940, Reber hosted a German agent in New York and attended pro-German business events, which once revealed by the press, led to widespread public outrage. Under incredible pressure, Texico's board forced Reber to resign in 1940. Number eight, Philip Johnson.

[00:14:31]>> And yet, even his obituary in the New York Times ignored Philip Johnson's most indelible sin. Until now, few have been willing to throw stones. Maybe you don't know his name, but you probably know his works. A highly respected architect, Philip Johnson served as head of architecture at the Museum of Modern Art and designed buildings like 550 Madison and the Glass House in Connecticut. And this dude was a huge Nazi sympathizer.

[00:14:58]He admired Hitler, personally attended Nazi rallies in Germany, and wrote for fascist anti-semitic publications like Social Justice.

[00:15:07]>> We can't sugarcoat it. I think he was quite simply a devoted fascist for 8 years.

[00:15:16]>> He openly praised Hitler and his political manifesto minecom. He called the German invasion of Poland a quote stirring spectacle. Hack he even tried to start a fascist political movement in the US. However, by the early 1940s, Johnson distanced himself from those beliefs and actions and later called them quote the stupidest thing I ever did. and he appreciated that uh Hitler was reshaping the world and uh and would need uh architects to help design it.

[00:15:47]>> Number seven, Ezra Pound.

[00:15:49]>> His poems were paired down and precise, sometimes only a line or two long.

[00:15:54]>> Famous poet Ezra Pound was a huge fascist sympathizer, an admirer of Hitler, and a prominent vocal supporter of Bonito Mussolini's tyrannical regime in Italy. And while he didn't formally align himself with Nazism, his views and actions overlap with many far-right ideologies of the time, including his raging anti-semitism. In his 30s, Pound's politics grew increasingly extreme. He believed fascism was the answer to what he saw as failing Western democracy. Pound believed that fascism was a path to economic and cultural reform and he made hundreds of propaganda broadcasts for fascist Italy in which he attacked the west, praised the concept of eugenics and pleaded with the allies to surrender. In fact, he was later arrested by American forces and indicted for treason due to these wartime broadcasts resulting in a long stint in a psychiatric institution.

[00:16:47]Society had cast him out. The poetry world had cast him out. And he was this slightly prophetlike figure raging in the wilderness.

[00:16:58]>> Number six, Charles Lindberg.

[00:17:01]>> Tonight's speaker is a famed aviator and American hero, Charles Lindberg.

[00:17:06]Lindberg is a Nazi sympathizer, avid opponent of US involvement in the overseas conflict. Famed aviator Charles Lindberg was widely seen as a Nazi sympathizer in the late 30s and early 40s, which significantly tarnished his accomplishments. After visiting Germany multiple times, Lindberg praised its military strength and accepted the service cross of the German eagle from Herman Guring, sparking public outcry.

[00:17:33]>> The call is to abandon America's friend and ally. and I have been forced to the conclusion that we cannot win this war for England regardless of how much assistance we send.

[00:17:45]That is why the America First Committee has been formed.

[00:17:50]>> He also advocated against American intervention and was known to harbor anti-semitic views like giving a speech in which he blamed Jews for pushing America toward war. He also held strong beliefs in the ideas of racial hierarchy and eugenics, strongly echoing aspects of Nazi ideology. And even though Lindberg did turn to the war effort after Pearl Harbor, his reputation was and remains stained by his earlier views and controversial positions.

[00:18:18]>> So I don't think that anybody knows who he is. And I think those who do know are predominantly Jewish people or avid historians and they think, "Oh, and Lindberg anti-semite." Number five, Canute Thompson.

[00:18:40]>> A highly regarded writer, Canu Thompson influenced the likes of Ernest Hemingway and France Kafka and won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1920. 20 years later during the Nazi occupation of Norway, Hamson openly supported the puppet regime led by Vitkcoming and conducted meetings with top Nazi officials including Joseph Gybil with whom he had a cordial relationship.

[00:19:12]He also briefly met Hitler in person and shortly after the Nazi leader's death in 1945, Hamson published an obituary for him in the Norwegian newspaper of Pulston in which he praised Hitler as quote a reforming character of the highest order. Following the war, Homson was arrested for treason and fined 325,000 Norwegian croner. Number four, Harold Harworth >> reported where?

[00:19:37]>> Daily Mail, Morning Post, Daily Mirror.

[00:19:40]It's upper, middle, and working class.

[00:19:43]All united in admiration.

[00:19:44]>> You've probably never heard the name Harold Harworth, but you've certainly heard of his newspaper, The Daily Mail.

[00:19:50]Through his famous paper, Harmssworth became a leading figure of tabloid journalism and helped pioneer the concept. Unfortunately, he also used it to publish his fascist beliefs.

[00:20:00]Harmssworth expressed admiration for Hitler during the early years of Nazi rule and supported British fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley. He also visited and sent letters of admiration to Hitler and these letters were later used as propaganda to show alleged British support for the Nazi regime.

[00:20:18]Harmssworth's views turned him into a pariah and he eventually fled Britain.

[00:20:23]He desperately attempted to repair his image but died in 1940 before he could do so.

[00:20:30]was wrong.

[00:20:32]>> Number three, Koko Chanel.

[00:20:35]>> The little black dress, Chanel number five, women's widelegg trousers and sailor shirts. Her work was in many ways a form of female emancipation.

[00:20:44]>> To this day, Chanel is considered one of the leading names in fashion. It's just too bad that its namesake has such a problematic reputation. Koko Chanel had a romantic relationship with German military officer Baron Hans Gunther van Dinklage who was working Nazi intelligence in Paris. This relationship gave her certain privileges during the German occupation including residence at the Ritz Hotel which was also being used by highranking Nazis.

[00:21:10]>> In recent years, Chanel's dirty laundry has been making headlines at home and abroad. At Paris's Ritz Hotel, her affair with a Nazi intelligence officer was common knowledge.

[00:21:22]>> Declassified documents show that Chanel was registered as a Nazi agent and allegedly participated in an intelligence operation to open secret peace negotiations with Winston Churchill. Finally, she attempted to use Nazi anti-semitic laws to rest control of Parfam Chanel from the Jewish Wartheimr family. But journalist Hal Bourne's book reveals that in 1940, Gabrielle Chanel worked as a Nazi spy recruiting agents for the Third Reich across Europe. She was number F7124.

[00:21:55]Her code name Westminster.

[00:21:57]>> Number two, Hugo Boss. Style and industry became entrenched with a troubling legacy when Hugo Boss decided to join the Nazi party in 1931. Two years later, Adolf Hitler became chancellor and the Third Reich was truly on its way.

[00:22:13]>> With Germany under his total control, Hitler would shift his focus to global domination. Hugo's company later produced the very uniforms associated with groups such as the Hitler Youth and the SS >> and the way it works is a lot of manufacturers, they don't do the designs. They actually take the design and then they execute on it. During World War II, Hugo's factory operations relied on forced labor. The source of this labor was none other than prisoners of war alongside Polish and French workers and others from territories occupied by the Nazi regime. In another unfortunate case of a global fashion brand meeting controversy, it wasn't until 2011, decades after these series of events, that the company issued a formal apology for its actions.

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[00:23:26]>> Running through veins.

[00:23:32]Number one, Henry Ford.

[00:23:34]>> When I was a kid, I used to think that maybe I was special, that somehow destiny had tapped me to be a great man.

[00:23:42]Not like Henry Ford or Walt Disney or somebody like that, but somebody, you know, semiimportant.

[00:23:50]Perhaps the most influential industrialist of the 20th century was also a huge Nazi sympathizer. Ford maintained business dealings with Nazi Germany throughout the 30s and early 40s, but that was the least of it. Ford personally financed and published a series of anti-semitic articles in his newspaper, The Dearborn Independent. And these articles were later compiled into a book titled The International Jew, which spread false conspiracy theories about Jewish people. for 91 straight issues. The dearborn independent targeted Jews, the world's foremost problem, as he said.

[00:24:27]>> Hitler later praised Ford in mine comp and even cited him as an inspiration toward Nazi ideology. And in 1938, Ford proudly accepted the Grand Cross of the German Eagle, the highest honor that Nazi Germany could give a foreigner. So, never before in America had we seen anti-semitism at a mass level. Which of these reveals surprised you the most? Is there another historical figure with a complicated past we should cover? Drop it in the comments.