Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s relationship has finally seen its conclusion on the legal front. Their decade-long divorce proceedings ended as a Los Angeles judge signed on their legal separation on Tuesday, December 28.
The couple got married in 1986 and called off their relationship when it was publicly known in 2011 that Schwarzenegger was involved in a cheating scandal with the family's ex-housekeeper Mildred Baena and has even fathered a child, Joseph Baena, outside of marriage.
Maria Shriver, a journalist, philanthropist and member of the Kennedy clan, filed her original divorce petition against the former California governor in July 2011.
According to the court records, Mildred Baena gave birth to her and Arnold’s son Joseph just one week after Shriver delivered her youngest son Christopher in 1997. The decade-long divorce process was reportedly dragged out due to the absence of a prenup agreement and there were complications over splitting the couple's fortune and estates.
Speaking to The Times, Arnold Schwarzenegger elaborated his confession to his wife saying, "After leaving the governor's office, I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago."
He continued, "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."
Maria Shriver, 66, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, 74, share four kids — Katherine, 32, Christina, 30, Patrick, 28, and Christopher, 24.
The former California Governor also addressed his split on 'The Howard Stern' show where he said, "It's a very tough situation for me. It's a very tough situation for my kids. Very tough situation for my family. It was tough for everybody. But it has happened and now we have to figure it out, right?"
Image Source: Instagram/chevereun