Michael Schumacher: Seven-time F1 champion’s family plan legal action after AI-generated ‘interview’
The family of Michael Schumacher is planning to take legal action against a magazine called Die Aktuelle, which published an article claiming to have an interview with the seven-time Formula 1 champion. The article featured a photo of Schumacher with a headline that read “Michael Schumacher, the first interview.”
However, it was later revealed that the quotes in the article were generated by an artificial intelligence program called character.ai. Schumacher’s family found the use of AI-generated quotes to be deceptive and are taking action against the magazine. Schumacher suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not been seen in public since then.
“I can with the help of my team actually stand by myself and even slowly walk a few steps,” read the Schumacher ‘quotes’.
“My wife and my children were a blessing to me and without them I would not have managed it. Naturally they are also very sad, how it has all happened.
“They support me and are standing firmly at my side.”
The family have confirmed to news agency Reuters that they are planning to pursue the matter legally.
Die Aktuelle’s publishers declined to comment on the legal action being taken against them by Michael Schumacher’s family. Schumacher, who won seven Formula 1 world drivers’ titles, suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not been seen in public since. His medical condition has been kept private by his family.
Schumacher’s son, Mick, is a reserve driver for Mercedes, and in a 2021 Netflix documentary, Schumacher’s wife revealed that the family is doing everything they can to make him feel comfortable and to strengthen their bond.
“We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
“‘Private is private’, as he always said. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
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