Arnold Schwarzenegger Admits Fathering Illegitimate Child

Former governor reveals that a 10-year-old love child fathered to a longtime member of his household staff was the reason for his split from wife of 25 years Maria Shriver

Well, that's a hell of an irreconcilable difference, all right.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted paternity over a child he fathered more than a decade ago with a longtime member of his household staff. He waited until after leaving the office of the governor earlier this year before telling his wife of 25 years, Maria Shriver.

Hence her moving out of their marital home. And double hence their separation announcement.

Those rumors weren't so far off the mark, after all, eh Arnie?

"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," he said in a statement released early this morning. "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."

He went on to ask for minimal intrusion by the media. Well, good luck with that.

"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."

Shriver, who has four children of her own with Schwarzenegger ranging in age from 13 to 21, did not release a statement or comment on the betrayal admission.

The identity of the staffer also remains unknown, though she reportedly worked for the family for 20 years before retiring in January. Though the worker originally claimed that her then-husband was the father of her child, Schwarzenegger has reportedly been financially supporting the duo since the baby was born.

Forget the Terminator, let's call him the Inseminator.

(Originally published on May 17, 2011, at 7:05 a.m. PT.)