Despite repeated requests for privacy, a photo of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher lying in his hospital bed following his brain injury was offered to several publications for $1.04 million, reports Motorsport-Magazin. Schumacher sustained severe head injuries in a 2013 skiing accident that left him unable to walk or stand, per the last update given in September.
Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm confirmed to Motorsport-Magazin that charges have been filed against the unknown photographer over the invasion of privacy. The Offenburg, Germany, prosecutor’s office also confirmed that an inquiry has been opened into the sale of this photograph to RTL.
Paparazzi have become a routine nightmare for the Schumacher family, who just wants to let Michael recover and live in peace. Motorsport-Magazin writes, as translated by Google:
Around Schumacher’s Swiss villa, photographers would hide in the forest or even try to shoot from helicopters. “It is never relaxed because it is a permanent strain,” [Kehm] stressed.
When Schumacher was in the hospital, one photographer tried to come in disguised as a priest to take photos. In June 2014, Schumacher’s medical records were stolen and put up for sale.
I can think of few ways to exploit people that are more egregious than this.
[via The Lad Bible]