Shriver calls Schwarzenegger's 'love child' revelation 'painful'

Former California first lady Maria Shriver on Tuesday said she was devastated by the bombshell revelation that hubby Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child with a household staffer 10 years ago.

“This is a painful and heartbreaking time,” said Shriver, 55, who separated in recent weeks from the “Terminator” actor. “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.”

Schwarzenegger, 63, released his mea culpa late Monday to the Los Angeles Times, admitting to the affair and acknowledging the “anger and disappointment” among family and friends, whom he said he told after leaving the governor’s office in January.

The couple has been married for 25 years and has four children ranging from ages 13 to 21.

“I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry,” said Schwarzenegger, who reportedly has been paying full child support.

While the Times did not name the woman in the affair, she told the newspaper she had left the family’s employment earlier this year after two decades on the job.

Calls for further comment to Schwarzenegger’s and Shriver’s reps were not returned Tuesday.

TMZ.com reported that Shriver, a Kennedy scion and former NBC News anchor, might be a guest on Oprah Winfrey’s final show next week.

Schwarzenegger, a former body builder who was once a top box-office draw, ran as a Republican in a special recall election for California governor in 2003. At the time, several women came forward to say the former Mr. Universe had groped them over a 25-year period. He later apologized to the women “offended” by his actions.