The editor-in-chief of the magazine that published a fake interview with Michael Schumacher was fired
This week, the German magazine Die Aktuelle caused a major scandal by publishing a supposedly exclusive interview with Michael Schumacher, which was actually conducted by an artificial intelligence. The editor-in-chief of the magazine has just been fired, while the family of the seven-time world champion intends to file a lawsuit.
(E) A worldwide sensation. That’s how the German magazine “Die Aktuelle” announced an exclusive interview with Michael Schumacher on the cover of its latest issue. The seven-time German world champion has not been seen in public for nearly ten years, following a skiing accident that left him with severe consequences.
Since that sad day in December 2013, his family has kept his health condition a secret, even though they had revealed that he could neither walk nor communicate with them. Therefore, it was very surprising to see the headline of “Die Aktuelle” with quotes from Michael Schumacher about his life since his accident. At the end of the article, the deception is revealed, with its author (who did not sign it). He indicates that the interview was conducted on a website dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) where you can interact with celebrities.
The press group owning the magazine reacts
A media outcry has landed on the magazine and many readers were shocked by the process. Michael Schumacher’s family wants to file a complaint and the Funke press group, owner of Die Aktuelle, didn’t waste any time in responding with a statement.
“This unpleasant and misleading article should never have been published. It in no way meets the journalistic standards that we – and our readers – expect from a publishing house like Funke,” explains Bianca Pohlmann, the group’s director.
The press release announces that Anne Hoffmann, editor-in-chief of the magazine since 2009, has been relieved of her duties as of today and apologizes to the family.
