Schwarzenegger reveals he secretly fathered child over 10 years ago

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted to reporters that he fathered a child over 10 years ago with a longtime member of his household staff.

Breaking the news of this to his wife, Maria Schriver, largely contributed to their split.

"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," he told The Los Angeles Times. "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."

The Times did not publish the name of the woman or her child, but noted that she had been on Schwarzenegger's house staff for more than 20 years. At the time of the child's birth, which came before his first run for governor, she claimed that her husband at the time was the father.

An unnamed source, however, told the Times that Schwarzenegger had taken financial responsibility for the child from the start. The woman has since stopped working for Schwarzenegger after more than two decades of service.

Schwarzenegger and Schriver have four children together.

The two have not announced whether their split will ultimately result in divorce.

The video below is from the Associated Press, published Tuesday, May 17, 2011.