
The statements of Cora Schumacher, ex-wife of Ralf Schumacher, F1 star and brother of Michael Schumacher, have caused a stir in German showbiz.
The 47-year-old, about a month after he came out openly revealing that he was gay, spoke to the German magazine Spiegel about her experience from her relationship with Ralf Schumacher during 14 years of marriage, until their divorce in 2015. The former couple have a son together, David, who is also following in his father's footsteps in F1.
"I heard rumors that he is gay, but he told me to go to a psychologist," she said.
49-year-old Ralf Schumacher revealed in July that he is in a relationship with his French business manager, Etienne. He published on social networks a photo with his partner, with whom they are said to have been together for two years.
While it was claimed that his ex-wife was aware, Cora has actually stated that she found out about it on social networks.
Speaking to Spiegel in an interview published on August 16, she also added that she was "manipulated" by her ex-husband during their relationship when she asked him if the rumors she had heard about him being gay were true.
"During his F1 career, there were a lot of rumours. I asked him to clarify if what was being said was true, but he always denied it, telling me that I was imagining it all and that I probably needed psychological help. But when he made the announcement, it was like a knife to the heart. Going public always affects those around you, including your ex-wife with whom you had a child," said Cora.
While he added: "Today I feel that he used me during the marriage and that I lost my best years. I wonder: Was he being honest with me? Did he love me? I trusted him blindly and therefore his word was law to me."
Ralf Schumacher denies her statements, claiming that Cora knew since last year what was happening.

He even accused him of lying and published a private conversation as proof.
In his most recent post, Ralf Schumacher writes: "I want to make it clear that Cora congratulated us in September 2023 because she thought we were married."
Despite the apparent conflict between his parents, their 22-year-old son seems very supportive of his father.
In a post on his social media, David Schumacher wrote: "I'm so glad you finally found someone you feel really comfortable and safe with, man or woman," adding, "I'm with you 100% dad and I wish you the best and congratulations.”