Now we know why Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver split.

Schwarzenegger has recently admitted to fathering a child more than a decade ago with a longtime member of his household staff. Talk about a scandal.

Not only did the woman work in his family home for over twenty years, but she also remained working for the couple 10 years after giving birth to the child.

Schwarzenegger has released a statement:

“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 apologized 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.”

As for the woman who worked for them, she said:

“I wanted to achieve my 20 years, then I asked to retire,” she said, adding she received a severance payment and “left on good terms with them.”

This is a classic scandalous hollywood story. At least Schwarzenegger had the decency to assume financial responsibility for the child, instead of simply abandoning it. But the fact that this was all happening under Shriver’s nose for almost ten years is a little painful to hear.