Micaela Schäfer is no stranger to controversy, but her recent public appearance at the Dschungelcamp party on January 24 has reignited debates about animal welfare and celebrity antics. The 41-year-old model made headlines not just for her usual provocative outfit but also for the unexpected choice of accessory: a live capuchin monkey perched on her shoulder.
The party, held to celebrate the launch of the latest season of the reality show "Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!" (I'm a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here!), saw Schäfer donning a creative ensemble inspired by the legendary Josephine Baker. With her eye-catching outfit, which was accentuated by the monkey, she attracted significant media attention.
Not everyone was impressed. Animal rights organization PETA wasted no time criticizing Schäfer's choice to incorporate the monkey as part of her appearance. "Affen haben auf einem roten Teppich nichts zu suchen - derartige Auftritte sind eine grauenvolle Tortur für die sensiblen Wildtiere," stated Dr. Yvonne Würz, PETA's expert on animals in entertainment. The organization argued such displays send damaging messages about the treatment of wild animals, urging Schäfer to refrain from using live creatures for promotional purposes.
Despite the backlash, Schäfer seemed unfazed and even reflected on her experience with the monkey. "Ich werde mir jetzt immer irgendein Tier dazu buchen, definitv. So viel Aufmerksamkeit hatte ich noch nie. Tiere und Kinder funktionieren halt immer auf dem roten Teppich," she remarked to Spiegel TV, indicating her intent to capitalize on the attention garnered from her choice.
This brazen approach to publicity follows Schäfer's recent split from Adriano Hess, announced back in May 2024. The breakup came as a surprise to many, but after some time apart, both appear to have moved forward without animosity. “Ich habe ein-, zweimal gedatet, aber mal gucken, was daraus wird,” Schäfer explained when asked about her dating life during the Dschungelcamp party, noting her current focus on self-improvement and her career.
Indeed, Schäfer seems to be channeling her energies positively. "Ich konzentriere mich jetzt wirklich eher auf mich, auf meine Karriere, auf meine Projekte," she declared to Promiflash, showing signs of personal growth following the end of her relationship. Among her ventures is the founding of her own real estate agency, marking her entry onto the property market.
Christmas 2024 saw an unexpected reunion between Schäfer and Hess, raising eyebrows among those who follow their public lives. "Er hat auch noch keine neue Partnerin. Ganz freundschaftlich werden wir mit meiner Oma und meiner Mutter zusammen Weihnachten feiern," she shared with Bild, highlighting their amicable relationship post-separation. It appears the couple, though no longer romantically involved, maintains a close friendship.
Micaela Schäfer's attempt to dominate headlines showcases her knack for remaining relevant, whether through controversial appearances or entrepreneurial pursuits. The public will be watching carefully to see how her choices—both personal and professional—shape her image moving forward. And as for the controversy surrounding her Dschungelcamp appearance, it’s likely to spark continued debate among fans, animal advocates, and media alike.