Franzi Schmidt, a 37-year-old known from the reality show "Goodbye Deutschland," is navigating a tumultuous chapter in her life after a rocky breakup with her 23-year-old ex-partner, Saris, a Massai. The couple had spent two years together on the idyllic island of Sansibar, but their relationship soured when Franzi discovered romantic messages from Saris to other women. Just as she was preparing to leave him, she found out she was pregnant with their child, thrusting her into a complex situation that raised concerns about her rights as a mother.
After returning to Berlin, Franzi faced a health scare when her water broke prematurely on April 24, 2025, two months before her due date. "I was completely shocked," she shared in a video message from the hospital. "I came to the hospital at 8 PM because my water broke. The last 24 hours have been on autopilot for me." Currently, she is under medical observation, receiving antibiotics three times daily and has been given a lung maturation injection to help the baby's development.
Franzi's emotional state fluctuates as she grapples with the uncertainty of her pregnancy. "I'm just completely exhausted," she admitted, revealing the strain of her situation. Doctors expect her to remain in the hospital for four to five weeks, hoping to keep the baby safe in the womb for as long as possible. Thankfully, she has the support of her mother, who has come to help care for her seven-year-old son, Willi, during this challenging time.
As Franzi navigates her health issues, she is also haunted by the legal implications of her situation. In Tanzania, where Sansibar is located, fathers automatically gain custody of children, a cultural norm that worries Franzi. "I want to make sure that the child is not in danger and that I don’t lose rights to the child," she explained. Saris has hinted that he might seek custody of their newborn once she is born, adding to Franzi's anxiety. "He has already expressed wanting to take the baby away," she stated, underscoring her determination to give birth in Germany.
Franzi's journey has not been without additional complications. Just before her departure from Sansibar, her employee, whom she paid €120 per month, abandoned her, leaving behind a mess and taking some of her belongings. Franzi had invested approximately €70,000 in her house on the island, and now she faces the challenge of managing her property without the help she had anticipated.
Despite these setbacks, Franzi remains hopeful. After enduring the emotional turmoil of her relationship with Saris, she expressed a desire to return to Sansibar with her two children in the future. "I have gone through many changes in my life, and I find it exciting," she said. "This is part of the journey. You grow with your challenges, and in the end, you can only benefit from them." Franzi's resilience shines through as she prepares for the birth of her daughter, Malia, who was born healthy on February 13, 2025, despite the premature delivery.
The "Goodbye Deutschland" community has rallied around Franzi, with the show's Instagram account confirming her well-being and that of her baby. "We are very pleased that Franzi and the baby are doing well. Despite the early birth, everything went smoothly, and we wish you all the best!" they posted, offering a glimpse of hope amid the chaos of Franzi's life.
As she moves forward, Franzi's story resonates with many who have faced similar struggles. Her journey from love to heartbreak, and now to motherhood, illustrates the complexities of relationships across cultures and the challenges of single parenthood. With her daughter now in the world, Franzi is determined to build a stable future for her children, one step at a time.
