Maria Shriver has spoken up.
Hours after her estranged husband Arnold Schwarzenegger's stunning public confession — he secretly fathered a child with a household staffer ten years ago — the veteran TV journalist released a statement conveying her anguish as a wife and mom.
"This is a painful and heartbreaking time," Shriver, 55. "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."
Married for 25 years, Shriver and Schwarzenegger, 63, have four children together: Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13.
Schwarzenegger revealed early Tuesday that he and a longtime staff member (employed by the family for 20 years) had a child together over ten years ago. After his tenure as California governor was up, he broke the news to Shriver earlier this year; she moved out of their shared Brentwood, L.A. home soon thereafter.
"I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family," the former movie star said. "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."