Michelle and Eric Philippi - Naked declaration of war against online hate
In the past year, singer Michelle (52) and her nearly 25-year-old music colleague Eric Philippi (27) made their relationship official. In June 2024, the pair unexpectedly announced their engagement. However, they are frequently confronted with criticism due to their significant age difference. Now, they want to fight back - and they're doing so on Instagram with a nearly naked photo.
Michelle Shares Topless Photo Against Online Hate
On a Tuesday, Michelle shared an Instagram photo of herself and Philippi almost naked. The two musicians stand at a kitchen counter, with their backs to the camera. Both are only wearing underwear; Michelle is in a black thong. They have hearts with the title of Michelle's song "Love Me or Let It Be" written on their butts.
With the post, they aim to fight against hate on the internet - and they receive plenty of it. Comments like "With Granny in the Heide" or "Great, when the caregiver takes care of his elderly patient" appear one after another. Michelle writes in response, "A heartfelt apology to all those who think they have to insult others in the worst possible way to feel better! Remember love!" She added the hashtags #lovemeorletitbe and #againsthateoninstagram.
For their bold message, the pair receives much support in the comment section: "I don't know who sets the rules that the man has to be older. Age is just a number. I think you're an amazing couple," it says there. Several music colleagues also join Michelle and Eric: "Don't let anyone talk you out of it, dear Michelle, you're still far from old! You're a fantastic lady!" writes party singer Mia Julia (37). Joelina Drews (28) comments, "Celebrate yourselves for it, exactly like that! Big hug to you two."
Michelle Has Three Daughters
Michelle and Eric Philippi announced their engagement in June during the recording of the ARD-show "Schlagerboom Open Air - The Stadionshow in Austria." Michelle was previously married twice: from 1995 to 1999 to singer Albert Oberloher (61) and from 2007 to 2010 to Josef Shitawey. The singer has three daughters. Her eldest daughter, Céline Oberloher, was born in the same year as Eric Philippi. Daughter Marie Reim (24) from the relationship with Matthias Reim (66) is also making a career as a schlagersängerin. Michelle became a mother for the third time in 2008.
- Despite facing criticism due to their age difference, Michelle and Eric Philippi chose to use Instagram as a platform to fight against online hate, sharing a nearly naked photo with hearts that read "Love Me or Let It Be" on their butts.
- Pop singer Michelle, who has three daughters, received support from her music colleagues after sharing the photo, with party singer Mia Julia and Joelina Drews expressing their admiration for the couple.
- Eric Philippi, Michelle's nearly 25-year-old music colleague and fiancé, stood alongside her in the Instagram photo, wearing only underwear similar to Michelle's black thong.
- Michelle and Eric Philippi's relationship received criticism due to their significant age difference, but the couple remained vocal about their love, using their music and public platforms to advocate for acceptance and against hate.
