Michael Schumacher's Family Will Sue Over 'Deceptively Real' Fake AI Interview

The cover of last Saturday’s edition of German tabloid Die Aktuelle advertised “the first interview” with seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, who has spent the last decade recovering from a traumatic brain injury he suffered while skiing. Schumacher’s quotes in the “interview” were actually supplied by an AI chatbot, which Die Aktuelle revealed at the end of the piece. The racing legend’s family intends to take legal action in response, multiple outlets reported Thursday.

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A representative for the Schumacher family “pointed to published reports of legal action” when asked for comment by Reuters. Additionally, ESPN says it confirmed as much with a spokesperson.

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The article begins promising “no meagre, nebulous half-sentences from friends. But answers from him! By Michael Schumacher, 54!” according to the Daily Mail. The cover (seen here via Google Translate) plays coy with the truth, describing the interview as “deceptively real” without making its nature clear.

One of the responses generated by Character.ai and featured in the piece reads that Schumacher is “much better than years ago. With the help of my team, I can even stand on my own again and even walk a few steps slowly.”