Maria Shriver spoke out on Tuesday on her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger's affair and the love child he fathered with a household maid 10 years ago.

This is a painful and heartbreaking time, Shriver said, asking media to respect her family through this difficult 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. I will have no further comment, she was quoted as saying in media.

The couple called for ending their 25 years of marriage early this month.

Shriver seemed touched by the support from people as she said Thanks to her fans on Twitter on May 13. Thank you for all the kindness, support and compassion. I am humbled by the love. Thank you, she wrote.

Media reports confirmed the identity of Arnold's love child's mother on Tuesday. She is Mildred Baena (Patty), 50, who worked as a housekeeper for Schwarzenegger for 20 years. Schwarzenegger has a son of about 10 years old with her.

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