Shriver speaks of Schwarzenegger's child

SACRAMENTO, May 17 (UPI) -- Maria Shriver spoke Tuesday about news that her husband, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, fathering a child years ago with a household employee.

"This is a painful and heartbreaking time," California's former first lady said. "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."

Shriver said she wouldn't comment further, the Hollywood Reporter said.

Schwarzenegger said he and his wife separated after she learned he had a child with a household employee, who left earlier this year after working for the family for 20 years.

Schwarzenegger and Shriver recently announced they were separating after 25 years of marriage, and that Shriver had moved out of their Brentwood home. They have four children together.

Maria Shriver moved out of the couple's mansion in Brentwood earlier this year after Schwarzenegger admitted to fathering the child more than a decade ago with a woman who worked for the family for 20 years, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

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

California's former first couple announced their separation last week after 25 years of marriage and four children. No reason was given.

The former staff member, whom the Times did not name, had said her then-husband was the child's father. When told of Schwarzenegger's statement, she declined further comment.

She said she left her position voluntarily earlier this year after reaching her goal of working for them for two decades.

"I wanted to achieve my 20 years, then I asked to retire," the woman said, adding she "left on good terms with them."

In his statement to the Times, Schwarzenegger asked that the media "respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time. While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not."