Arnold Schwarzenegger has finally opened up about the affair that shook his marriage to Maria Shriver. The couple, who met in 1977, were once seen as a Hollywood power couple. Their relationship weathered the pressures of fame, marriage, and family, but cracks began to appear as Arnold’s political career grew. In 2011, after he left office, the truth came out: Schwarzenegger had an affair with the family’s housekeeper, Mildred Baena, resulting in a son, Joseph, whom he had kept secret for years.
The revelation shattered their 25-year marriage and caused immense emotional pain for their four children. Despite the public scandal, Schwarzenegger took full responsibility for his actions, calling the divorce his greatest failure. Since then, he has focused on rebuilding relationships with all his children, including Joseph, and maintaining a cordial relationship with Maria for the sake of their family.
Schwarzenegger’s journey since the affair has been one of self-reflection and reconciliation. His relationship with Maria has evolved into a strong co-parenting partnership, proving that even after such a betrayal, bonds can be rebuilt with effort and time. The public’s perception of him shifted dramatically, but Arnold has worked hard to earn back trust and focus on personal growth.