Arnold Schwarzenegger confirms having an illegitimate child with household staffer

Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California, and his wife, Maria Shriver, were separated last week after Shriver learned that her husband is the father of a child born more than a decade ago by a former employee of the family.

Maria Shriver left the family residence in Brentwood earlier this year after her husband confirmed the paternity. The former employee worked for the Schwarzenegger family for 20 years and retired in January.

“After leaving the governor’s office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago. 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,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

After leaving the office as governor, Schwarzenegger continued to be a high-profile celebrity, met with various politicians, attended a summit on immigration held at the White House and announced that he will relaunch his career in cinema.

To protect their privacy, the media hasn’t published the names of the former employee of the Schwarzenegger family nor that of her child. On Monday, before Arnold Schwarzenegger released this statement, the former employee said that another man – her husband at the time – is the child’s biological father.

She said that she decided to quit working for the Schwarzenegger family earlier this year, after having reached one of her long term goals – that of working for Schwarzeneggers for two decades.

“I wanted to achieve my 20 years, then I asked to retire,” the former employee said, adding that she left her position with the couple “on good terms.”

Also on Monday, editors at The Times informed this woman about the statement made by Schwarzenegger, but the former employee declined to comment further.

Arnold Schwarzenegger assumed from the outset the entire financial responsibility for the child, which he continues to do today.