14 DAY TRIAL // The reason why Maria Shriver ended the 25-year marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger has been revealed by the former Governor himself: he fathered a child with the family housekeeper. It was this revelation that prompted Maria to seek separation from him.
The announcement that the two were living in separate houses and actually considering divorce after so many years together as a happy family came as a shock to the media, the fans and, most importantly, to those closest to the two.
Speculation about Arnold’s infidelities have been around since ever, but there was never any evidence to back them up; plus, Maria stood by him through it all, thus making it appear as if there was never any truth to them.
Schwarzenegger is now saying in a statement cited by TheWrap that he told his wife of the child he fathered with a housekeeper earlier this year – and she moved out of the house almost immediately.
He’s also going public with the story, while asking the media to focus on him only and back off his family.
“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,” the star says.
“I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry,” he adds.
“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,” Schwarzenegger explains.
TheWrap reports that the housekeeper who is the mother of Arnold’s fifth child had been with the family for 20 years, and left the house in January, presumably after he informed Maria of the affair.
No word yet on when the affair took place, how long it lasted or how old the child is. The identity of the child and the former staffer has not been revealed to the press.