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Maria Shriver Speaks Out on “Painful and Heartbreaking Time”

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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.

Related: VIDEO: Arnold and Maria in happier times

"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."

Related: PHOTOS: Shocking cheating scandals

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.

Related: PHOTOS: Famous political families

"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."

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