Ralf Schumacher’s ex-wife has hit back at the former Formula 1 driver amid their ongoing feud after claiming she “wasted her best years” on him after he came out as gay last month.
Schumacher, brother of seven-time world champion Michael, revealed he was gay after sharing an Instagram post of himself alongside his new partner, French business manager Etienne, on Instagram.
Cora Schumacher, who was married to Ralf for 14 years and had a son with him, David, before their split in 2015, reacted to the news by insisting she felt “used”. Ralf responded by leaking WhatsApp messages in which Cora appeared to congratulate Etienne on their union.
In the messages, Cora appears to say “congratulations” and “I’m so happy for you both” as she tells Etienne that she was told she married Ralf because they were wearing rings on their right hands.
But Cora denied this is the case in a lengthy statement on Instagram on Saturday and revealed she has received online abuse as a result of the leaked messages.
Ralf Schumacher (right) and Cora (left) were married for 14 years before separating in 2015
Ralf is now in a relationship with French businessman Etienne (right) after coming out as gay
Cora claimed she didn’t know Ralf was gay, but Ralf called her a liar and leaked her WhatsApp messages in an attempt to prove it.
“I feel compelled to take this public step,” she wrote.
‘Ralf Schumacher has published private messages in the context of his influential coming out to discredit me and present me as a liar. Apparently the system is behind this.
‘(In the WhatsApp posted by RS, which originated between Etienne and me, I had only tried to find out the truth at least from HIM.)
‘This action has not only broken my trust, but has unleashed a wave of online hate and slander that has deeply affected me. I am exposed to things that lack any truth. I am being called a “gold digger” and a “liar” and it is alleged that I married for convenience.
‘I should keep my mouth shut, it doesn’t concern me anymore, (coming out now always affects those around you, especially the ex-wife with whom you gave birth to a child.)
‘All these comments hurt me deeply, especially considering that I myself was lied to for many years. I married for love! I did not sign a confidentiality agreement in a prenuptial agreement. It does not say such a thing. Otherwise, I would never have gotten married!
‘Let me make one thing clear: I have never lied! The hate campaign being waged against me hits close to home and weighs heavily on me.
‘I just want my peace to be at peace. To live life and heal!
‘Before you judge, remember: **#WordsMatter** – Words have power and can cause great harm.’
Ralf, 49, has been in a relationship with Etienne for two years after they met in Monaco, according to Carmen Geiss, an actress and close friend of the couple.
His son, David, 22, shared his support for his father on social media when he came out as gay.
But Cora reacted furiously when she broke her silence earlier this month, accusing Ralf of disrespecting her and breaking her trust.
His son David Schumacher, right, also a racing driver, expressed support for his father when he came out as gay.
But Cora reacted furiously and claimed that Ralf had shown disrespect towards her.
“I would have liked Ralf to have included me or at least let me be part of his decision. It would have been a sign of respect,” he told Der Spiegel, via Brand.
‘During his F1 career there were a lot of rumours in the paddock. I asked him to clarify if what was being said was true, but he always denied it, telling me that he imagined it all and that perhaps he needed psychological help.
“When he announced it, it was like a stab in the heart. Coming out always affects those around you, including the ex-wife with whom you had a child.
‘Today I feel used during the marriage. I feel like I wasted my best years. I ask myself many questions. Was he honest with me?
“And there’s something even more important that worries me: did he love me? I trusted him blindly and that’s why his word was law for me.”