Arnold Schwarzenegger Admits to Fathering Child with Household Employee
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver
Arnold Schwarzenegger says wife Maria Shriver left him after he admitted he fathered a child with a former member of their household staff.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separate after 25 years
"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," Schwarzenegger told the Los Angeles Times in a statement. "I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry. I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time. While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not."
"This is a painful and heartbreaking time," Shriver told People in a statement. "As a mother, my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal. I will have no further comment."
Shriver moved out of the family's Brentwood, Calif., home earlier this year after Schwarzenegger acknowledged the paternity. The staff member retired in January after working with the family for 20 years, according to the paper. Schwarzenegger had been supporting the child during this time.
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The Times did not reveal the names of the staffer or the child. However, the paper said the woman claimed her then-husband was the child's father shortly before Schwarzenegger issued his statement Monday. She told the Times she asked to retire after reaching her goal of working for the couple for two decades and "left on good terms with them," while receiving severance. She declined to comment following Schwarzenegger's statement.
Schwarzenegger, 63, and Shriver, 55, announced their separation last week after 25 years of marriage. They have four children together: Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17 and Christopher, 13.