California in shock over Schwarzenegger confession

BRIAN WILLIAMS, anchor: Now we turn to the story that so many people in this country woke up to this

morning: the shocking revelation that Arnold Schwarzenegger , the former governor of California , has a child with a former household employee. NBC 's Miguel Almaguer reports tonight from Los Angeles .

Unidentified Reporter: A shocking public confession.

MIGUEL ALMAGUER reporting: California woke up today to a bombshell.

Former Governor ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER: I, Arnold ...

ALMAGUER: The state's former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged he fathered a child with a member of his household staff. It happened more than 10 years ago, an apparent reason why wife Maria Shriver left the couple's Brentwood mansion before they announced their separation last week. Schwarzenegger says he told his wife after he left the governor's office. "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." According to the LA Times , Schwarzenegger financially supported the mother and child from the very start. She's said to have worked inside the family home for 20 years and retired in January. Shriver released her own statement. "This is a painful and heartbreaking time. As a mother, my concern is for the children." In New York , reaction from Shriver 's cousin Patrick Kennedy .

Mr. PATRICK KENNEDY: I talked to Maria . She's terrific. Love her to death.

ALMAGUER: Married in 1986 , Schwarzenegger and Shriver have four children. The infidelity, says Schwarzenegger , happened before he ran for political office in 2003 .

Gov. SCHWARZENEGGER: And this is why I'm going to run for governor of the state of California .

ALMAGUER: Accused of womanizing and sexual harassment at the time, it was Maria Shriver who then passionately defended her husband.

Ms. MARIA SHRIVER: You can listen to people who have never met Arnold or who met him for five seconds 30 years ago, or you can listen to me.

Ms. SHERRY BEBITCH JEFF (University of Southern California): It was absolutely critical for Maria to be there, standing by her man after the groping allegations. It blunted those allegations.

ALMAGUER: The governor's indiscretion remained secret for over a decade.

Unidentified Woman: I think he's just so disgusting. I just wish I could take my vote back.

ALMAGUER: Now it's the talk of the town , a man who many believe betrayed his wife and the trust of the state he once ran. Miguel Almaguer, NBC News, Los Angeles .