Schwarzenegger told his wife about the child after his term ended in January, according to the paper. The unnamed staffer had worked with the couple and their four children for over 20 years and recently retired. Before this news broke and in an apparent cover-up, she told the paper that her then-husband had been the father.
“I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement to The Times. “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.”
On Twitter on Friday, Shriver wrote: “Thank you for all the kindness, support and compassion. I am humbled by the love. Thank you.”
UPDATE: Shriver commented on the news in a statement on Tuesday, saying, “This is a painful and heartbreaking time. 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.”
Considered by Forbes one of the most powerful women in the world, Shriver decided to leave her job as a correspondent for NBC when her husband took the governor’s seat to maintain her journalistic integrity. After his term finished in January, Schwarzenegger announced that he would be returning to the silver screen. Shriver, however, has not publicized a career move.
Paul Talbert, a partner at matrimonial and family law firm Chemtob Moss Forman & Talbert, says the scandal will complicate the couple’s likely divorce. “Maria sacrificed her own successful career and identity for the sake of Arnold’s political ambitions, as well as her family, only to be betrayed and now, publicly humiliated by him,” says Talbert. “Although I believe that this divorce will be negotiated and resolved outside of the glare of the public spotlight, Arnold will likely have to pay a form of premium to Maria to keep this private and minimize any excessive damage to his reputation and good will with the public.”
Talbert also brings up several questions still unanswered, like: Does the child know Schwarzenegger is the father? Does he pay any support for the child? What was their relationship as they all resided in the same home?
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