The mother of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s illegitimate child has been named as his former housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena.
The 50-year-old woman, known as Patty, worked for the former Governor of California and his wife Maria Shriver – who left him when she discovered the existence of the child earlier this month – for over 20 years before retiring in January.
Her identity was revealed by a joint investigation by Star magazine and RadarOnline.com.
Baena’s $1,200 per week job included cooking, cleaning and doing laundry for the couple and their four kids — Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13 — at their mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, although it is understood she and her son – who was born over 10 years ago – did not live on the premises.
Schwarzenegger – who was married to Shriver for 25 years – is said to have contributed financially to the boy’s upbringing before eventually confessing his affair to his wife after he completed his second term as governor.
The 63-year-old actor said in a statement: “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.”
Shriver added: “This is a painful and heartbreaking 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.”
Meanwhile, the couple’s children have taken to twitter to show their support for their family with son Patrick writing: “some days you feel like (expletive), some days you want to quit and just be normal for a bit, yet i love my family till death do us apart.”
Their eldest daughter Katherine, wrote: “This is definitely not easy but I appreciate your love and support as i begin to heal and move forward in life. I will always love my family!”
