Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted that a child born from his affair with a member of staff was the reason for his separation from his wife, Maria Shriver.

The actor told the Los Angeles Times that he fathered the child, with an unnamed housekeeper at his mansion, ten years ago, some three years before taking office as the Governor of California.

He also revealed that he told Shriver, his wife of 25 years and mother of four children by him, about the affair and the child in January of this year, shortly after stepping down as Governor.

In a statement issued to the Los Angeles Times, Mr 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 apologised 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.”

The staff member at the centre of the revelation has not been named officially, but it is known that she worked for Mr Schwarzenegger for 20 years and only retired from his service in January. However, the actor said he has been supporting the child since birth.

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