Maria Shriver is pleading with the media for privacy as she tries to come to terms with estranged husband Arnold Schwarzenegger's infidelity.
The actor-turned-politician announced last week (beg09May11) he had split from his wife of 25 years, revealing the former TV news anchor moved out of their home in Brentwood, California earlier this year (11).
Now it has emerged their break-up came after Schwarzenegger confessed to Shriver that he had fathered a child with a member of their household staff more than 10 years ago.
And Shriver, devastated by the betrayal, hopes the public - and the tabloids - will leave her alone, out of respect for the couple's four children.
A statement from California's former First Lady reads, "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. I will have no further comment."
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