It's been 14 years since Michaela Schaffrath moved to the RTL jungle camp. She still does not regret her participation in the format, as she now reveals in an interview. On the other hand, she no longer likes to be asked about her former career in porn.
Actress Julia Biedermann, pop bard Bata Illic or ex-soccer player Eike Immel - these were just a few of the fellow campers with whom Michaela Schaffrath 2008 in "I'm a star - get me out of here!" vied for the jungle crown. In the end she didn't conquer the throne, but singer Ross Antony took it instead. But at least Schaffrath made it to second place.
However, that is probably not the main reason why she is still grateful for her participation in the RTL show, as can now be seen from an interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". The main topic of conversation is money. So Schaffrath not only admits to having been completely broke a few years after the turn of the millennium, but also: "My financial salvation was the jungle camp."
Schaffrath makes it clear: "I'm not there to find myself or to be one with nature. I always laugh my ass off when I hear that. If I want to camp, then I go on vacation. But not with just any strangers people and with 28 cameras."
How high her fee was back then, "of course she's still not allowed to say," said the 51-year-old. "But it was enough to get back on our feet."
Schaffrath is less euphoric when her porn past comes up in the interview. "I get tired of questions in this direction. I've already answered all of them, and not just once," she explains, adding: "It's complete nonsense to be reduced to two years of your life. I won't allow that anymore."
The former pediatric nurse worked in the erotic industry from 1997. Between 1999 and 2001 she took part in a series of porn films under the pseudonym Gina Wild and rose to become one of the most well-known German actresses of the genre.
Schaffrath explains that she is "very proud" that people no longer think of their porn past first and foremost. "But it was a long, hard road," she says and assures: "I don't earn anything with my past, not a cent. With my exit, I gave up all rights."
She doesn't regret that either, although in the age of the Internet she could certainly still earn money with her old porn, says Schaffrath. "I think it's hypocritical not to want to have anything to do with it anymore - and on the other hand fill your pockets with it. Some might call it stupid, but that's how I think."
Schaffrath does not seem to be dependent on this income either. Today she earns her money as a moderator, dubbing artist and actress, among other things, especially in the theater. Regarding her financial situation, she explains: "Meanwhile, I can turn down jobs that don't help me. Ten years ago that would have been unthinkable. I would have dropped everything for a job, including my private life." By the way, after two failed marriages, she has been happily given back since 2013 - to the photographer Carlos Anthonyo.
