Cheshire Cat Photo Blog(...said the Cat: 'we're all mad here....')

Maria Schriver and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have separated following his admission that he fathered a child with a longtime member of their household staff more than 10 years ago. The staff member had worked for the family for more than 20 years and had retired in January. Shriver moved out of the Brentwood mansion earlier this year after Schwarzenegger acknowledged the paternity.

Schwarzenegger issued a public statement to the L.A. Times last night, saying that he has already apologized to Maria, his children, and family, and he asked that the media be respectful of his wife and children who do not deserve its criticism.

The Times is not publishing the name of the staffer or the child, to protect their privacy. The staffer retired voluntarily on good terms and received a severance after reaching a goal of working for the family for 20 years.

Both the woman and Maria Schriver have declined comment.

Schwarzenegger took financial responsibility for the child from the start and continued to provide support, according to a source who declined to be identified because of Schwarzenegger’s request for privacy.

Maria Schriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger have been married for 25 years and have four children.

Note added May 17, 2011: According to the L.A. Times, Maria Shiver has issued a statement:

“This is a painful and heartbreaking time,” Shriver said in a statement, her first since the former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted paternity of the child Monday night in response to questions from The Times. “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.”

-Bill at

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