Arnold Schwarzenegger has openly discussed his affair with housekeeper Mildred Baena in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE Magazine, calling it 'my own f up' and taking full responsibility for the end of his 25-year marriage to Maria Shriver. The revelation comes more than a decade after the scandal first broke, offering new insight into the actor-turned-politician's state of mind and his current relationship with his ex-wife.

'It's just my f up. Remember, it's not like we had a feud. We didn't have a fight... Even though it's a different relationship, there's no reason for me to feel anything other than love for her,' Schwarzenegger said, referring to Shriver. He emphasized that the two remain close, co-parenting their four children and maintaining a bond built on mutual respect and shared history.

The affair, which took place while Schwarzenegger was serving as Governor of California, resulted in the birth of a son, Joseph Baena, in 1997. The secret was kept for over a decade until 2011, when Shriver discovered the truth shortly after Schwarzenegger left office. The news was a bombshell that led to their separation and eventual divorce, which was finalized in 2021 after a long legal process.

In the PEOPLE interview, Schwarzenegger expressed no bitterness toward Shriver and made it clear that he does not blame her for the dissolution of their marriage. Instead, he pointed squarely at his own actions. 'I was the one who made a terrible mistake,' he said. 'I regret it deeply, but I also believe that everything happens for a reason. We have a wonderful family, and we are committed to making it work as a family unit.'

The couple's children include Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher. Despite the divorce, the Schwarzenegger-Shriver clan has remained remarkably unified, often appearing together at family events and supporting each other's endeavors. Katherine, the eldest, has spoken publicly about the challenges of her parents' split, but she has also praised their ability to maintain a healthy dynamic post-divorce.

The scandal also cast a spotlight on Joseph Baena, who was raised by his mother, Mildred Baena, largely out of the public eye. In recent years, Joseph has emerged as a public figure in his own right, modeling and pursuing a career in fitness, mirroring his father's early path. Schwarzenegger has been open about his relationship with Joseph, describing him as a 'great kid' and expressing pride in his accomplishments.

The affair and its aftermath had significant implications for Schwarzenegger's public image. Once held up as a symbol of the American Dream—an Austrian-born bodybuilder who became a Hollywood superstar and then Governor of California—the scandal tarnished his reputation. Yet over time, his candor and willingness to accept blame have helped many fans and observers forgive him.

Schwarzenegger's career has continued to thrive. He has returned to acting with roles in action films like 'The Expendables' series and the Netflix series 'FUBAR'. He also remains active in environmental activism and political commentary, frequently advocating for climate action and fitness initiatives. His larger-than-life persona has endured, even as he confronts the consequences of his past.

The interview with PEOPLE is part of a broader promotional effort for an upcoming project, but the personal revelations have dominated headlines. Schwarzenegger's ability to speak openly about his failures is a testament to his growth, both as a public figure and as a human being. He has often cited the lessons he learned from his father, who was a strict disciplinarian, and from his own experiences as a immigrant and entrepreneur, as shaping his approach to life.

Experts in marriage and family therapy point to Schwarzenegger's remarks as a healthy example of accountability. Dr. Lisa Firestone, a clinical psychologist, noted that 'taking full responsibility without blame is key to moving forward, both personally and in relationships. It's rare for a public figure to do so without deflection.'

Mildred Baena, who had worked for the family for years, has largely stayed out of the limelight. In a rare interview in 2016, she said she never intended to disrupt the Schwarzenegger marriage but acknowledged the complexity of the situation. Her son Joseph has largely avoided commenting on the scandal, focusing instead on building his own identity.

The Schwarzenegger-Shriver divorce was one of the most high-profile splits in Hollywood history, with both parties eventually settling amicably. The terms of the settlement have not been fully disclosed, but it is believed that Shriver received a substantial portion of the couple's estimated $400 million fortune. The couple also maintained joint custody of their minor children at the time.

Looking ahead, Schwarzenegger appears determined to continue engaging with the public, whether through film, politics, or philanthropy. He has also spoken about the importance of honesty and transparency, values he now champions as part of his legacy.

In the PEOPLE interview, Schwarzenegger concluded by reiterating his love for Shriver and his gratitude for the life they built together. 'We have a beautiful family, and I think we have handled this as best as we could,' he said. 'I will always be grateful for everything she gave me—the children, the support, the love. That doesn't go away just because we are no longer married.'

Source: MSN News