Arnie refuses post-divorce support for Shriver (AFP)

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is refusing his estranged wife Maria Shriver's request for financial support after they divorce, documents showed Thursday.

The former bodybuilder and politician, who put his film comeback plans on hold after it emerged in May that he had fathered a child with the couple's former housekeeper, is also seeking joint custody of their children.

Shriver filed for divorce three weeks ago citing "irreconcilable differences" with her husband, whom she met in 1977 and married in 1986, and in her court documents requested spousal support.

In papers filed Wednesday by Schwarzenegger to the Los Angeles Superior Court, his lawyer Bob Kaufman did not cross either of the boxes indicating spousal support, and checked another seeking to make the court unable to award support.

The documents, published celebrity website TMZ, showed that the former governor agreed the former couple should have joint custody of their two minor children, 17-year-old Patrick and 13-year-old Christopher.

Shriver and Schwarzenegger have two other children: Katherine, 21, and Christina, 19.

Schwarzenegger, 63, admitted in May that he had fathered a child with the family's long-time housekeeper, Mildred Baena, and announced the couple's separation.

The Austrian-born former bodybuilder, a liberal Republican, had left office in January, and started to return to show business, with plans for a "Governator" comic book and animated TV show.

But he put his comeback on hold in May, telling his agents that "all his motion picture projects currently underway or being negotiated (should) stop planning until further notice."

Schwarzenegger and Shriver's marriage came under the spotlight over the years, notably amid reports of his history of groping women during campaigning for the 2003 recall election that Schwarzenegger won, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Shriver, a former TV journalist, defended him at the time, and stood by his side during his seven years at the helm of the Golden State, a term that ended when Jerry Brown succeeded him at the start of this year.

Yahoo! News

Arnie admits lovechild triggered marriage split (AFP)

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Movie megastar and former US governor Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted Tuesday to fathering a lovechild with a member of his household staff, triggering the breakup of his 25-year marriage.

His wife Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy political dynasty, reacted by asking for privacy during a "painful and heartbreaking time."

Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced their separation last week, four months after the former champion bodybuilder and "Terminator" star left office as California governor.

"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," Schwarzenegger, 63, said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

"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."

After initially declining to comment to the newspaper on her husband's announcement, Shriver issued a statement asking for privacy.

"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," she said.

The 55-year-old, a daughter of the storied Kennedy clan, moved out of the couple's Brentwood mansion earlier this year after Schwarzenegger admitted paternity.

The Times did not give the name of the woman or her child to protect their privacy, but said she retired in January of this year after working for the couple for 20 years.

"I wanted to achieve my 20 years, then I asked to retire," the paper quoted her as saying, adding that she received a severance payment and "left on good terms" with Schwarzenegger and Shriver.

The newspaper quoted a source as saying that Schwarzenegger had taken financial responsibility from the start and was still supporting the child.

He and Shriver said earlier this month that they were separating after 25 years of marriage to take time to "work on the future" of their relationship.

The couple, who met in 1977 and married in 1986, have four children, aged between 14 and 21.

Their marriage had come under the spotlight through the years, notably amid reports of his history of groping women during campaigning for the 2003 recall election which Schwarzenegger won, the LA Times reported.

Shriver, a former TV journalist, defended him at the time, and has stood by his side during his seven years at the helm of the Golden State, a term that ended when Jerry Brown succeeded him four months ago.

Austrian-born Schwarzenegger, star of the "Terminator" blockbusters, had started to return to show business since he stepped down as governor, with plans for a "Governator" comic book and animated TV show.

He has vowed to pursue his political passions -- notably on the environment -- fueling rumors than he could even run to be the next president of the European Union.

In his statement, Schwarzenegger too called for privacy, asking the media to "respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time."

"While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not," he said.

Schwarzenegger's bombshell revelation has prompted reaction among at least one gubernatorial peer.

Former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm, the state's first woman governor who now teaches in California, posted a message Tuesday on Twitter blasting Schwarzenegger for his infidelity.

"Another guy guv admits 2 cheating on his wife. Maybe we need more women governors," she tweeted.

"Guys: keep ur pants zipped, for Pete's sake."

Yahoo! News

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.