Corinna Schumacher, wife of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, has filed a request for a court hearing to be held in private amid an ongoing blackmail trial involving the family's former bodyguard. The case, which is being heard in Germany, involves Markus Fritsche, who was employed by the Schumacher family until around 2021, along with two other men accused of attempting to extort €15 million (£12 million) from the family.
The defendants are alleged to have threatened to leak personal photos, videos, and medical records belonging to the seven-time world champion on the dark web. According to German newspaper Bild, Corinna's request could result in the public being excluded from the hearing if her husband's health is discussed. Fritsche reportedly told co-defendant Yilmaz Tozturkan over coffee that he was 'in possession of this material, and he asked if we could do anything with it,' as reported by MailOnline.
Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since a devastating skiing accident in December 2013, which left him with a traumatic brain injury. He spent months in a medically induced coma and has since received round-the-clock care at home. The family has maintained strict privacy about his condition, with Corinna reportedly being highly selective about who is allowed to visit.
Recent rumours that Schumacher attended his daughter Gina-Maria's wedding in September at the family's Majorca villa have been dismissed. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert labelled the claims 'fake news,' telling Flashscore: 'It will always be a closed shop. 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.' Neurosurgeon Jussi Posti also cast doubt, noting that Schumacher's health status makes such appearances unlikely.
The blackmail trial continues to draw attention to the family's ongoing battle to protect the privacy of the racing icon, whose health remains a closely guarded secret.
