Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t hold back in the upcoming Netflix documentary titled Arnold, recalling the moment he opened up to his now ex-wife, Maria Shriver, about his 1996 infidelity and the birth of a beloved child.
The 75-year-old Terminator actor, who recently wished his longtime boyfriend Clint Eastwood a happy birthday, notably had an affair with their housekeeper Mildred Baena and gave birth to their son Joseph Baena, 25, in 1997.
During a marriage counseling session in 2011, the counselor explained at the time: “Today Maria wants to be very specific about something,” according to The Sun. “She wants to know if you are Joseph’s father.”
The former California governor said, “I thought my heart stopped.” And then I told the truth. “Yes, Mary. Joseph is my son.’ She was obviously devastated.’
The star explained that both he and Mildred initially assumed the child belonged to her husband Rogelio and that she continued to work for the Schwarzenegger family. “I really didn’t know at first, but as he got older it became clearer to me.”
Opening: Arnold Schwarzenegger, 75, doesn’t hold back in the upcoming Netflix documentary titled ‘Arnold’ and recalls the moment he told his now ex-wife Maria Shriver about his 1996 infidelity and fatherhood of a love child told; seen in Los Angeles in May
Questioned: When confronted about the affair, the star said, “I thought my heart stopped.” And then I told the truth. “Yes, Mary. Joseph is my son.” She was obviously devastated by that,” says The Sun; The former couple was seen in 2003
“Back then, it was just like, ‘How do you keep this a secret?'” Arnold explained in a clip from the documentary, according to The Sun.
The actor met Maria, niece of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, at a tennis match in August 1977. The two became engaged after Arnold Shriver popped the big question in his native country of Austria in 1985.
The former couple tied the knot the following year, 1986, during a romantic ceremony at the Kennedy family home in Massachusetts, saying it was the “greatest wedding I’ve ever been to” and gushed that he feels he is “the happiest” son of Ab***h in life.’
Over the course of their 25-year marriage, the couple had daughters Katherine, 33, and Christina, 31, and sons Patrick, 29, and Christopher, 25, who was born just days before their other son, Joseph, was born.
Regarding the affair, Arnold admitted it was his “biggest failure,” declaring, “I’ve caused my family enough suffering because of my shit.” Everyone had to suffer. Mary had to suffer, the children had to suffer, Joseph, his mother, everyone.”
The True Lies star revealed, “I’m going to have to live with this for the rest of my life.” After the affair, Mildred left her husband and Schwarzenegger took care of both her and Joseph, buying them a house with a pool in California in 2010.
The housekeeper retired in 2011, the same year Maria ended her relationship with Arnold, leading to their breakup. She filed for divorce in July 2011, but it wasn’t officially finalized until ten years later, in 2021.
“People will remember my successes, but also my failures.” I’ve had failures in my career, but it was a whole new dimension of failure. In this sad story, I am very happy that Maria and I were able to raise the children well,” said the former professional bodybuilder.
‘Failure’: Regarding the affair, Arnold admitted that it was his ‘biggest failure’, declaring, ‘I’ve caused my family enough harm because of my shit’; seen in 1986
Family: Over the course of their 25-year marriage, the couple had daughters Katherine, 33, and Christina, 31, and sons Patrick, 29, and Christopher, 25.
Proud father: Arnold also revealed that he is “very proud” of his son Joseph, who, like his father, is also an actor and bodybuilder; Joseph seen in April
Schwarzenegger has been positive about his now-ex-wife, explaining, “I think there’s nothing more important than having a good partner by your side, and Maria has been just that every step of the way.”
“We have a really great relationship. On every special day we’re all together as a family and everyone is really happy about it,” but admitted that “it wasn’t what it was when we were all under one roof as a family.”
After filing for divorce, Maria also opened up and revealed that she had gone to a convent to seek advice and “guidance” while appearing on the Making Space With Hoda Kotb podcast in early February this year.
After their split, both Arnold and Maria have maintained a positive relationship, from attending the children’s graduations to celebrating birthdays together.
Arnold also revealed that he is “very proud” of his son Joseph, who, like his father, is also an actor and bodybuilder. “I saw Joseph grow into an amazing human being.”
“What I did was wrong, but I don’t want Joseph to think that he is not welcome in this world because he is very welcome and I love him.” “He turned out to be an extraordinary young man,” added the star kindly added.
Staying close: After the affair, Mildred left her husband and Schwarzenegger supported her and Joseph and bought them a house with a pool in California, with the housekeeper retiring in 2011
‘Good partner’: Schwarzenegger has been positive about his ex-wife, explaining, ‘I think there’s nothing more important than having a good partner by your side and Maria has been that every step of the way; seen in 2003
While Schwarzenegger shares love equally among his five children, a source told Page Six late last May that his four children, who he shares with Maria, “do not love” their half-brother Joseph.
Arnold was recently joined by daughters Christina and Katherine and her husband Chris Pratt at the LA premiere of his latest Netflix film FUBAR. Joseph was also in attendance, but walked the star-studded red carpet alone during the celebrations.
The source stated that although the actor and Baena have a “close” relationship, “the other kids don’t love Joe.”
“It’s a shame because he’s a really good boy and Arnold has always treated him like any of his other kids — very fairly.” But whatever the reason, the other kids take it [the affair] out on Joe.’
Joseph himself seemed undeterred, beaming a bright smile on the red carpet and later sharing an Instagram post gushing about the event. “I give FUBAR two thumbs up!!!” he wrote the caption to his fans and followers.
Making memories: After their breakup, both Arnold and Maria have maintained a positive relationship, from attending their children’s graduations to celebrating birthdays together
Enjoy: Arnold was recently joined by his daughters Christina and Katherine and her husband Chris Pratt at the LA premiere of his latest Netflix film FUBAR
Upcoming Project: The three-part Netflix documentary, titled “Arnold,” is scheduled to air later this month on Wednesday, June 7th
‘Had a great time at the FUBAR premiere last night!’ In my unbiased opinion, FUBAR is a hilarious, action-packed show that will keep you hooked the entire time!’
One social media user expressed his support for the budding actor, writing in the comments section, ‘Joe is Arnold’s true heir and his rich lazy kids are clearly upset.’
The three-part Netflix documentary, titled “Arnold,” is scheduled to air later this month on Wednesday, June 7th.
In addition to being candid about his affair and failed marriage to Shriver, the documentary will also follow his rise to fame as a bodybuilder, starring in Hollywood blockbusters, deal with allegations of sexual harassment, and become the governor of California in 2003-2003 2011