Update: April 21, 2022: FUNKE is separating from “die aktuell” editor-in-chief Anne Hoffmann with immediate effect.
FUNKE apologizes to the Schumacher family for the reporting in the latest issue of “die aktuell” about Michael Schumacher: “This tasteless and misleading Article should never have appeared. It in no way meets the standards of journalism that we – and our readers – expect from a publisher like FUNKE,” says FUNKE magazine managing director Bianca Pohlmann. As a result of the publication of this article, immediate personnel consequences will be drawn. “The current” editor-in-chief Anne Hoffmann, who has been journalistically responsible for the paper since 2009, will be relieved of her duties as of today. ( Source )
In December 2013, a serious skiing accident occurred in which former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher was seriously injured. Since then he has lived in seclusion. There is often speculation about his health. The relatives have repeatedly asked that his privacy be respected. Nevertheless, the German tabloid “Die Aktuelle” from the Funke media group now has the headline “World Sensation” and “The First Interview!” on the cover, with Michael Schumacher appearing on the cover. Below it, in smaller font, it says: “It sounds deceptively real.”
Created with AI: “Die Aktuelle” gives Michael Schumacher a fictional interview
Inside the issue, the “Interview” is titled “My life has totally changed.” “Here it is – the incredible interview!” praises the magazine and promises “redemptive answers to the most burning questions that the whole world has been asking itself for so long.” The article quotes statements from the alleged Michael Schumacher, such as “My wife and children were a blessing to me. “I couldn’t have done it without her.” However, the authenticity of the interview is questioned and remains unconfirmed. Schumacher's family has not yet commented on the article. However, a spokesman for the Schumacher family confirmed to ESPN that legal action will be taken, as Übermedia also tweeted:
But how could “Die Aktuelle” publish an alleged interview with Michael Schumacher? The magazine says it comes from a website that uses artificial intelligence (AI).
“There are actually websites where you can have conversations with celebrities. But artificial intelligence provides the answers,” explains the magazine.
But how does this AI know the personal background? About marriage, children and illness? Someone must have entered the information on the Internet - like in Wikipedia. Was it really Schumi himself who typed the information from his sick bed? Or maybe someone in the family, a carer or an employee?
Schumacher Interview: A Critical View of Rosenkranz
The German media observer Boris Rosenkranz commented in his media blog “ Übermedien ”: “The answers certainly sound deceptively real! To be too good to be true?"
The blog discusses the possibility that Schumacher actually entered the information that was used by the AI to generate the answers. However, the author of the article concludes that the interview answers are too simple and predictable to be credible. Rosenkranz also criticizes the tabloid press in general, pointing out that they are often willing to rely on sensationalism and clickbait instead of adhering to serious journalistic standards.
Therefore his conclusion is: “No. Too stupid to be true.”
Sources:
The Standard , Übermedia
Already read? Attila Hildmann: Türkiye refuses to extradite conspiracy preacher
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

