Filed under: News
It appears that 'The Terminator' Arnold Schwarzenegger is going through a 'Total Recall' following a recent announcement.
The former Governor of California stunned the world on Monday evening when he revealed that he and wife Maria Shriver had separated earlier this year -- likely having to do in part because breaking news today that Schwarzenegger had fathered a child with a longtime member of their household staff.
Schwarzenegger issued a statement to the 'Los Angeles Times' on Monday night regarding his admission. "After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," he disclosed. "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."
Adding, "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 was married to the former actor for 25 years, moved out of the couple's multi-million dollar Brentwood mansion in January.
The former first lady of California wasn't the only person to leave the action film icon in January. It has been reported that the staff member who bore his child, also retired in January after working for the family for 20 years. The woman claims that she voluntarily left her position after reaching a longstanding goal of working with them for two decades. She noted to 'The Times' that she left the family "on good terms" and "received a severance payment."
Schwarzenegger's unfortunate situation is nothing new in mainstream society. Other public figures, politicians and celebrities have been found out, scrutinized and magnified in the media for their lousy behavior and rampant infidelity.
In 2001, Reverend Jesse Jackson admitted to having an extramarital affair with Karin Stanford, a 39-year-old employee of his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. The relationship ultimately resulted in the birth of a daughter.
More recently, music mogul Mathew Knowles landed himself in hot water following a March 2010 DNA test proving that he was the father of Alexsandra Wright's baby boy. Wright, a one-time Interscope Records staffer, claims she had an 18-month affair with the former Xerox executive.
Speaking from a man's perspective, I often question why so many of us put ourselves in such compromising positions that can end up being detrimental to our families. Granted, we may receive attention from inquiring minds at times (for better or worse) -- but having a lack of self-control can only lead to a long running list of personal issues. Including the risk of contracting and spreading a sexual transmitted disease to a wife or partner.
Although all three men (and countless others) may have opted out of the Maury Povich route in facing public humiliation, the fact of the matter is, infidelity leaves a permanent scar across the heart of many families who are broken due to one person's selfishness. Make it end, brothers. Cross the board.