Since his skiing accident in 2013, little information has emerged about Michael Schumacher’s health and his lawyer explains why in an interview with the German ‘LTO’.
After his accident in December 2013, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion was put into an artificial coma, from which he was gradually brought out at the end of January 2014. In May of the same year, Schumacher was able to continue his rehabilitation at home and since then updates on his health status have been very scarce.
Gradually, information trickles through his good friend Jean Todt, who revealed that he watches F1 races with Schumacher. In the Netflix documentary ‘Schumacher,’ his wife Corinna stated that he is still there, but otherwise, details are limited.
Just as Schumacher has always shielded his family from the media, they are now doing the same for his health condition. Felix Damm, Schumacher’s long-time press lawyer, has spoken about the family’s decision to limit the release of information.
Protecting Privacy
“It was always about protecting private matters,” Damm told the German LTO. “Of course, we have had a lot of discussions about how this is possible. We have considered whether a definitive report on Michael’s health would be the right way to do this.”
“But it wouldn’t have stopped there, and there would have to be constantly updated reports because the media could pick up a report like that again and again and ask: ‘And what does it look like now?’ one, two, or three months or years after the message.”
“If we were to take action against this reporting, we would have to deal with the argument of voluntary self-disclosure.”
Fake Interview
“I was surprised at how much the media reports, even though there is no reliable information. How much they can weave together supposed stories from zero information. It went so far as to simply make up an AI-generated interview and put it on the front page.”
“I think the vast majority of fans can handle Schumacher’s condition well and also respect the fact that the accident has initiated a process in which privacy is necessary and will continue to be respected.”
(F1journaal.be)