Michael Schumacher Family Fights Blackmail Plot Over Private Medical Records
The health status of Formula One icon Michael Schumacher has remained a closely guarded secret since his tragic skiing accident over a decade ago. The 55-year-old former racing star is reported to spend his days receiving round-the-clock care at a home-based medical facility, with only a select group of trusted visitors allowed.
Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, has been fiercely protective of his privacy. Now, the family is reportedly battling to keep details about his condition confidential amid an ongoing blackmail trial involving his former bodyguard. According to The Mirror, Markus Fritsche, who worked for Schumacher until 2021, is accused of assisting in the blackmail attempt alongside bouncer Yilmaz Tozturkan and IT expert Daniel Lins. The trio allegedly threatened to release private photos, videos, and medical records on the dark web unless the family paid £12,000,000 (€15,000,000).
Corinna has requested that the court proceedings be held privately, as discussions of Michael’s health could otherwise be made public. German newspaper Bild reports that Fritsche allegedly revealed the existence of the material over coffee, proposing it could be monetized.
Speculation surrounding Schumacher’s health has continued for years. Rumors emerged that he attended his daughter Gina-Maria’s wedding earlier this year, but former F1 driver Johnny Herbert dismissed these claims as “fake news.” Speaking to Flashscore, Herbert said: “The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding. Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it”, reported by the Daily Record.
Neurosurgeon Jussi Posti also cast doubt on such reports, considering Schumacher’s presumed health condition. “If a hospital has been built in his house, with everything medicalized around him, it seems that he has been in hospital most of the time,” Posti explained. “Based on the information available, I don’t think he leads a very active life.”
Michael’s life was irrevocably changed after suffering a severe brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013. Despite wearing a helmet, the impact led to two life-saving operations and months in a medically induced coma. Since then, Michael has remained under constant care at the family’s Lake Geneva home, with Corinna managing his rehabilitation and fiercely protecting his dignity.
Close friend Philippe Streiff previously revealed rare insights into Michael’s condition, stating: “He can’t speak. Like me, he is in a wheelchair paralysed. He has memory problems and speech problems.”
Jean Todt, ex-Ferrari boss and longtime family friend, praised Corinna’s unwavering care for Michael, saying: “Thanks to the work of his doctors and Corinna’s determination, he survived—but with consequences.”
The Schumacher family remains committed to keeping Michael’s condition private as they navigate this deeply personal and challenging chapter.