Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted that he fathered a child 10 years ago with a member of his household staff.

The latest development has shed new light on the Schwarzenegger's separation from his wife Maria Shriver, which they announced a week ago.

Schwarzenegger confirmed the revelation to the Los Angeles Times and following is his statement made to the paper:

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, he added.

Schwarzenegger, 63, is an Austrian-American professional bodybuilder and served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. He rose to fame with 1982 box office hit Conan the Barbarian, followed by Terminator franchise.

During his initial campaign for governor, there were allegations of sexual and personal misconduct. Within the last five days before the election, news reports appeared in the Los Angeles Times recounting allegations of sexual misconduct from several individual women.

In 1986, Schwarzenegger married television journalist Maria Shriver, niece of President John F. Kennedy, and have long projected the image of a loving couple. Schwarzenegger and Shriver have four children.

In January, Schwarzenegger left the governor's office and there have been reports that he will come back to movies, including a role in another Terminator film.

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