Supporter of "Ärzte ohne Grenzen" (Médecins Sans Frontières).
Lives in Hamburg with his wife Irina Opaschowski and their children Emmy (b. October 2000), Juri (b. Dezember 2003) and Nova (b. 31 August 2011). Son Finn (b. 1997) comes from his marriage with Kerstin Pilawa.
Spontaneously married his longtime companion Irina Opaschowski while
visiting Congo (2 May 2006).