The family of seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher reportedly plans to sue the German publication Die Aktuelle for publishing a computer-generated ‘interview’ with him.
Schumacher has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in 2013, and his family has been extremely protective of his privacy since then. The magazine claimed to have obtained a “first interview” with Schumacher in its edition published on April 15th.
In revealing that the article was based on questions and answers given to an AI chatbot, with what Die Aktuelle described as ‘deceptively real’ responses, the publication has since received heavy criticism, and according to a report by ESPN, a representative for Schumacher’s family has said they are now planning legal action against the magazine.
The health of the former Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes driver is unknown, as his family has taken the same approach to his well-being as he did to his and his family’s personal lives during his Formula 1 career: “Private is private,” as his wife Corinna relayed his idiom.