The editor-in-chief of Die Aktuelle, a German magazine, has been dismissed from her position after publishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated ‘interview’ with the legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. The magazine’s publisher issued an apology to Schumacher’s family, who expressed their intention to pursue legal action against the publication.
The article, which ran on the front cover of Die Aktuelle with the headline “Michael Schumacher, the first interview,” featured a smiling picture of Schumacher with a strapline that read “it sounded deceptively real.” However, it was later revealed in the article that the supposed quotes from Schumacher were generated by an AI programme called character.ai.
The fabricated quotes touched on Schumacher’s health and family, stating, “I can with the help of my team actually stand by myself and even slowly walk a few steps,” and “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.”
Schumacher, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has not been seen in public since he suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013. His family has maintained a strict privacy policy regarding his medical condition, and Schumacher’s wife Corinna has emphasized the importance of protecting his privacy and maintaining their family bond.
The publication of the AI-generated article has been met with widespread criticism for its tasteless and misleading nature. Funke media group, the publisher of Die Aktuelle, stated that the article did not meet the journalistic standards expected by their readers, resulting in immediate consequences for the editor-in-chief Anne Hoffmann, who had held the position since 2009.
Schumacher, who retired from racing in 2012, remains a highly respected figure in the world of Formula 1. He won a total of seven world drivers’ titles, two with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and five in a row with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. His record of seven titles is currently shared with Lewis Hamilton, while his career also boasted 91 race wins, a record that Hamilton surpassed in 2020.
Meanwhile, Schumacher’s son Mick, who previously drove for Haas in Formula 1, is currently serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes, following in his father’s footsteps. The Schumacher family continues to prioritize their privacy, with Corinna stating in a 2021 Netflix documentary that they are focused on supporting Michael’s recovery and maintaining their family bond.
In conclusion, the publication of an AI-generated ‘interview’ with Michael Schumacher has led to the dismissal of the editor-in-chief of Die Aktuelle and an apology from the magazine’s publisher. The Schumacher family has expressed their intention to take legal action, emphasizing the importance of protecting Michael’s privacy. Schumacher’s contributions to Formula 1 and his legacy as a world champion remain highly respected, while his family continues to prioritize his well-being and privacy.
The editor-in-chief of Die Aktuelle, a German magazine, has been dismissed from her position after publishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated ‘interview’ with the legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. The magazine’s publisher issued an apology to Schumacher’s family, who expressed their intention to pursue legal action against the publication.
The article, which ran on the front cover of Die Aktuelle with the headline “Michael Schumacher, the first interview,” featured a smiling picture of Schumacher with a strapline that read “it sounded deceptively real.” However, it was later revealed in the article that the supposed quotes from Schumacher were generated by an AI programme called character.ai.
The fabricated quotes touched on Schumacher’s health and family, stating, “I can with the help of my team actually stand by myself and even slowly walk a few steps,” and “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.”
Schumacher, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has not been seen in public since he suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013. His family has maintained a strict privacy policy regarding his medical condition, and Schumacher’s wife Corinna has emphasized the importance of protecting his privacy and maintaining their family bond.
The publication of the AI-generated article has been met with widespread criticism for its tasteless and misleading nature. Funke media group, the publisher of Die Aktuelle, stated that the article did not meet the journalistic standards expected by their readers, resulting in immediate consequences for the editor-in-chief Anne Hoffmann, who had held the position since 2009.
Schumacher, who retired from racing in 2012, remains a highly respected figure in the world of Formula 1. He won a total of seven world drivers’ titles, two with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and five in a row with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. His record of seven titles is currently shared with Lewis Hamilton, while his career also boasted 91 race wins, a record that Hamilton surpassed in 2020.
Meanwhile, Schumacher’s son Mick, who previously drove for Haas in Formula 1, is currently serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes, following in his father’s footsteps. The Schumacher family continues to prioritize their privacy, with Corinna stating in a 2021 Netflix documentary that they are focused on supporting Michael’s recovery and maintaining their family bond.
The Schumacher family has expressed their intention to take legal action, emphasizing the importance of protecting Michael’s privacy. Schumacher’s contributions to Formula 1 and his legacy as a world champion remain highly respected, while his family continues to prioritize his well-being and privacy.
