Michael Schumacher and the four betrayals of trust since F1 icon's tragic skiing accident

Michael Schumacher and the four betrayals of trust since F1 icon's tragic skiing accident

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 28/12/2023

- 15:56

The German hasn't been seen in public for nearly a decade

This Friday will mark 10 years since Michael Schumacher's tragic skiing accident.

The German was on holiday in the French Alps when he went off course and crashed, with the 54-year-old's life changed forever in that instant.


For a decade, now, people around the world have been kept in the dark with regards to Schumacher and his condition.

It is not known how the German is these days, barring some words from his wife Corinna.

Michael Schumacher F1

Michael Schumacher was seriously injured in a terrible skiing accident 10 years ago

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Speaking in 2021, she said the Ferrari icon was 'here' but 'different'.

The Schumachers deserve sympathy and immense credit for the way they've been able to keep details about the Formula One legend under wraps.

Corinna has acted to make sure Schumacher gets the privacy he needs while he continues to recover away from the spotlight.

There have, however, been four unsavoury incidents over the years of individuals trying to exploit Schumacher and his great name.

The first was in 2013, after the accident, when it emerged a journalist had tried to disguise themselves as a priest in order to obtain information on the driver.

The following year, a man was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the theft and leaking of a medical file on the stricken star.

The man, whose identity wasn't disclosed, worked as an executive at a Swiss helicopter air rescue company, Rega.

He always denied any wrongdoing but was later found dead in a police cell.

Sabine Kehm, a spokesperson for Schumacher's family, reacted by saying: "We are at a loss for words and deeply shocked."

In 2016, there was another terrible story.

A close friend of Schumacher's, who again wasn't named, apparently took a picture of the F1 icon.

They then contacted German media and attempted to sell the image in question for the huge sum of £1million.

German prosecutors then investigated the matter and Kehm responded by saying: "Michael's health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard.

"This is also because we have to protect his intimate sphere.

"Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere.

"We are aware that this may be difficult for some people to understand but we do this with full commitment to Michael's guidelines and can only thank people for their understanding.

"Michael has always been very protective of his privacy, even during the most successful times of his career.

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Michael Schumacher F1

Michael Schumacher won seven F1 titles during his prime years in the sport

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"He has always made sure there is a clear and distinct line between his public persona and his private one."

The fourth scandal was this year.

Back in April, a German magazine ran an 'interview' with Schumacher that was actually fake and generated by artificial intelligence.

The editor was sacked and Die Aktuelle apologised profusely for the story, which they ran on their front page.

All these years on, fans continue to clamour for Schumacher news.

Corinna Schumacher

Michael Schumacher's wife Corinna has had to contend with constant questions about her husband over the years

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However, they're unlikely to get their wish.

And that's for the best given the serious nature of his injuries and the toll it has taken on his loved ones and friends.

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