The former bodybuilder`s estranged wife Maria Shriver, a daughter of the Kennedy political dynasty, reacted by asking for privacy during a "painful and heartbreaking time," while their children rallied round the family.
A power couple married for 25 years, Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced their separation last week, four months after the former "Terminator" star left office as California governor in January.
They gave no reason for the split at the time, but on Tuesday Arnie revealed he had told his wife about the child he had fathered with another woman, a long-term member of the couple`s household staff.
"After leaving the governor`s office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," said Schwarzenegger (63), "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 said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.
Shriver (55), who moved out of the couple`s Brentwood mansion earlier this year, appealed for privacy.
"This is a painful and heartbreaking time. As a mother my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal," said the 55-year-old.
The Times did not give the name of the woman or her child to protect their privacy, but said she retired in January of this year after working for the couple for 20 years.
The couple, who met in 1977 and married in 1986, have four children, aged between 14 and 21.
Patrick Schwarzenegger, 17, tweeted Tuesday: "Some days you feel like shit, some days you want to quit and just be normal for a bit, yet i love my family till death do us apart."
(U.C003)
Reporter: By Michael Thurston
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
