A shocking allegation has surfaced from the home of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, involving a nurse from his private medical team and an Australian racing driver who has now been publicly named. The case, which reportedly occurred in 2019, has sparked global attention, intertwining tragedy, celebrity privacy, and the pursuit of justice.
The Incident
According to Swiss prosecutors, the alleged assault took place at Schumacher’s lakeside mansion in Gland, Switzerland, on the night of November 23, 2019. The nurse — a member of the exclusive medical team caring for Schumacher since his devastating 2013 skiing accident — claims she was raped by a guest after a night of socializing and drinking.
Reports indicate that the accused, now identified as Joey Mawson, an Australian professional racing driver, had been invited to the Schumacher residence as a friend of Mick Schumacher, Michael’s son and current Formula 1 driver.
The group allegedly spent the evening drinking vodka cocktails before the nurse, feeling dizzy and unwell, was helped upstairs to her room by colleagues and Mawson. Witnesses claim she was placed fully clothed in bed and left asleep with the lights on.
Prosecutors allege that Mawson later returned to her room and raped her twice while she was unconscious. The nurse reportedly awoke with no memory of the events, but later discovered physical evidence that led her to file a formal complaint.
Legal Proceedings
The nurse filed her complaint in January 2022, more than two years after the incident. Swiss authorities launched a full investigation, which culminated in Mawson being charged with two counts of rape.
In October 2025, several outlets, including The Times and The Sun, confirmed that Joey Mawson had been officially named as the suspect. Mawson, who has competed in international racing series, vehemently denies the allegations, insisting the encounter was consensual. He claims he and the nurse had previously shared a kiss at a Geneva nightclub.
The victim, however, disputes this, maintaining that she had no romantic or personal relationship with the driver and that she was incapacitated during the incident.
A trial was scheduled to take place at the District Court of La Côte in Switzerland, but Mawson failed to appear, leading to a postponement. Swiss prosecutors have indicated that he may now face trial in absentia if he continues to evade proceedings. He is believed to have returned to Australia, and legal experts suggest Swiss authorities could request his extradition.
Reactions and Sensitivity
The Schumacher family, renowned for guarding their privacy since Michael’s accident, has made no public comment regarding the allegations. Prosecutors have clarified that no member of the Schumacher family is implicated in any wrongdoing and that the incident occurred independently of their actions.
The nurse, who no longer works for the Schumacher household, reportedly faced significant emotional distress after the incident. Her employment was terminated not long after she came forward — a development that has raised questions about how victims in private employment settings are supported.
Why the Case Has Captured Global Attention
The case has resonated worldwide not only because of its shocking nature but also because of its context — taking place inside the home of one of sport’s most revered figures. Michael Schumacher’s residence in Gland is known to be a highly secure, medical-grade facility, where a team of professionals provides 24-hour care.
The juxtaposition of a place built for recovery becoming the site of an alleged sexual assault has drawn both outrage and sympathy. For many, the story reflects broader concerns about vulnerability, consent, and power dynamics within private households and elite environments.
Broader Implications
This case underscores a number of complex issues that extend beyond the individuals involved:
- Consent and Incapacitation – Legal experts note that if the nurse was indeed unconscious or unable to give consent due to intoxication, any sexual act would legally constitute rape under Swiss law.
- Workplace Vulnerability – Domestic employees, particularly live-in staff, often face difficult dynamics. Fear of losing employment or facing retaliation can delay or prevent victims from reporting abuse.
- Privacy vs. Accountability – The Schumacher family’s privacy has long been protected, yet this case shows how the shield of celebrity confidentiality can complicate investigations when serious crimes are alleged.
- International Justice – With the accused being an Australian citizen, Swiss authorities may face legal hurdles in ensuring accountability across borders.
The Current Status
As of mid-October 2025, the Swiss trial remains unresolved. Mawson’s absence from court has delayed proceedings, and his legal representatives have provided no official statement. If he continues to avoid Swiss jurisdiction, the court may proceed without him, potentially leading to a conviction in absentia.
Meanwhile, the nurse continues to cooperate with investigators. Her legal team has called for “justice and accountability” while asking the public and media to respect her privacy during what they describe as “a painful and humiliating process.”
Conclusion
The allegations surrounding the rape of a nurse at Michael Schumacher’s home have shaken both the racing and public worlds, blending tragedy, fame, and the darker side of human behavior. While the truth will ultimately be determined in court, the case highlights how even the most private and secure spaces can harbor unimaginable trauma.
Until legal proceedings conclude, Joey Mawson remains innocent until proven guilty. However, the story serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals — even in the most exclusive and protected environments.
