On May 16, 2011, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a child ten years earlier with an employee in their household. Shriver has made no comment. "After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," Schwarzenegger said in a statement issued to The Times.
Schwarzenegger has taken financial responsibility for the child "from the start and continued to provide support," The Times reported. The household staff member was employed by the family for 20 years and retired in January. Shriver left their mansion after Schwarzenegger acknowledged the infidelity and paternity of the child. "I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time," said the statement. "While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not."