Michael Schumacher 2016: F1 Superstar’s Pal Leaking Private Photos For $1.2M? Smuggled Images Emerge Amid ‘Keep Fighting’ Initiative Launch

Ever since the unfortunate skiing accident of Michael Schumacher in the French Alpine Resort of Meribel on Dec. 29, 2013, reports and updates about his current health condition and recovery remained scarce. But just recently, the online realm was left in shock when reports emerged saying someone is trying to leak the photos of the embattled F1 superstar for $1.2 million (£1 million).

According to Daily Mail, the first images of Michael Schumacher since his accident have been smuggled across the European continent for $1.2 million. Since the family was very keen about keeping their privacy, noting the Schumachers' request for a media blackout, the prosecutors in Offenburg, Germany launched an investigation for a possible breach of right to privacy.

Moreover, the publication reported the authorities were investigating who took the picture of Michael Schumacher, who is currently recovering at a highly secured and custom-built medical suite located at his Geneva, Switzerland estate. They were also trying to figure out how they managed to leak the photos without the knowledge of the medical staff and Schumi's longtime manager, Sabine Kehm.

"Michael's health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard," Kehm said through a statement over the weekend, as per Daily Mirror. "We have to protect his intimate sphere. Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere."

Following Kehm's statements, however, the exclusive photos of Michael Schumacher were offered to various European media outlets for "high amounts of money." German TV network RTL (via Independent) revealed the seller, whose identity remains unknown after a media organization refused to reveal its source, was trying to sell the images for $1.2 million (£1 million).

The images in question were reportedly shots of Michael Schumacher while he was lying in bed. Because of the said photos, the family, including Michael's wife Corinna and their two children Gina-Maria and Mick, were left in distraught while it also sparked an outrage among avid Schumacher fans.

Meanwhile, due to the overwhelming support from the fans, Michael Schumacher's family launched a non-profit initiative called "Keep Fighting." ESPN noted the campaign, which was launched through the keepfighting.ms website, aims to spread the optimism shown by the Michael Schumacher supporters since the unfortunate skiing accident almost three years ago.