Arnold Schwarzenegger Admits Fathering Child Out of Wedlock

The separation of former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver took a shocking new twist Monday. The Los Angeles Times reported that they split after Shriver was informed that her husband fathered a child out of wedlock.

Schwarzenegger confirmed the affair and paternity of the child, born to a longtime female member of their household staff more than a decade ago.

The employee retired in January after 20 years with the family.

Arnold and Maria's separation after 25 years of marriage came as a shock last week. Shriver moved out of their mansion after he confirmed the paternity.

In a statement, Schwarzenegger said: "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."

"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, who has four children with Shriver, said he financially provided for the child, whose name and the mother's are not being released.

The Times will not name Arnold's Rielle Hunter equivalent, but chances are very good her identity will surface at some point, for better or for worse.

In an interview Monday before Schwarzenegger issued his statement, the former staffer said another man - her then-husband - was the child's father.

She said she voluntarily left her position with the couple earlier this year after reaching a longstanding goal of working for them for two decades.