Michael Schumacher Health Condition News Update: Blackout Enforced on F1 Champion's Condition
The health condition of Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is being kept out of the news with his manager allegedly employing legal threats to anyone trying to disseminate information on the matter.
The 46-year-old seven-time world champion is recovering from a serious injury he suffered in a skiing accident in 2013, and his privacy is being tightly guarded.
Italy's Autosprint noted the lack of news on Schumacher's health in the last few months especially from the media in Germany and Switzerland, which might have more direct sources.
"The explanation lies in the conduct of Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager, who systematically sends legal letters threatening lawsuits when a newspaper spreads the slightest information about the health of the German driver," Autosprint said.
The report said the medical staff that assists Schumacher at home "signed a series of very restrictive confidentiality clauses."
While Schumacher is recovering, his children are being thrown into the spotlight in their respective careers.
Gina Maria Schumacher showed her riding skills at a horse show in Germany, according to the Daily Mail. The 17-year-old became a participant at the NRHA European Futurity Horse Show in Kreuth town.
Mick Schumacher, on the other hand, will participate in the Oschersleben circuit on April 25 and 26 in Germany.
The elder Schumacher was in coma for several months after the accident before he was transferred to Lausanne, Switzerland. He has been confined in a medical suite in his mansion since September.
Schumacher reportedly sold his Norwegian mountain holiday home last February. The family is planning to build a hospital room for Michael in Switzerland, the Daily Mail said.
The news blackout on Schumacher is in contrast to the approach of how the family of Jules Bianchi, a French motor racing ace, deals with the media.
Bianchi, who figured in a car crash last year, is in coma.
His dad Philippe told Nice-Matin newspaper that there is little news to reveal.
But he said he wanted to give an interview "out of respect for all the people who continue to send Jules beautiful messages of affection and encouragement every day."