Here she is world, here's Mildred Patricia Baena, who has been officially identified as the mother of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love child. How low will it go? Sadly, this is just another Helen of Troy wreaking havoc on the legacy of a weak man in power.
Watercooler talk was especially brisk today upon word that infamous gossip sites RadarOnline and TMZ unveiled photos of the woman who shook a political dynasty. Mildred Patricia 'Patty' Baena was revealed to be the mystery household staffer that had an affair with former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The outing of Baena comes a day after the explosive revelation Schwarzenegger fathered a child with his ex-housekeeper. Baena had been employed by the Schwarzenegger family for 20 years, retiring earlier this year.
Follow up stories have been fast and furious, with gossip bloggers becoming increasingly jubilant in their tantalizing headlines exploiting the situation. Among the latest developments, TMZ is reporting Baena actually "pursued" the actor-turned politician in the late 1990s. She allegedly told friends of having a sexual relationship with Schwarzenegger during the day in the family home. Baena did not advise him that he was her child's father until the boy was a toddler. Born before Schwarzenegger became Governor, the child is now 14. Baena's son has not been identified, although TMZ has obtained photos of the teen. (Most sites have opted NOT to show the boy's face, although the untouched versions of the photos have appeared online. However, the pics do depict the striking physical similarities between Baena's son and Schawarzenegger.) Schwarzenegger's youngest son with soon-to-be ex-wife Maria Shriver is 13.
Earlier this month, Schwarzenegger and Shriver had announced their separation, a carefully orchestrated media event that was overshadowed by this week's lovechild revelation.
"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," Schwarzenegger said in a statement issued to the Los Angeles Times. "I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. 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."
When questioned by the Times, prior to Schwarzenegger issuing his statement, Baena claimed another man was her son's actual father. She has declined further comment, even while saucy photos continue to make their way onto the Internet.
Shriver partnered with Schwarzenegger to announce their separation on May 9. She then offered a brief, carefully worded statement on May 17 after reports spread of the lovechild confession.
This is a painful and hearbreakig time, Shriver said. "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."
Alas, Maria, you ask for too much. The Schwarzenegger Scandal has yet to reach its peak, with most media outlets now clamoring for a chance to interview Baena. As for Shriver, she is also fielding strong media interest for an interview, and a offers to return to her life as a news personality. The former First Lady of California recently joined Oprah Winfrey to celebrate her final show, offering this revealing statement to the media titan, "You have shown love, support, wisdom, and most of all [long pause] the truth."
As for former star of The Terminator, he's going to reignite his movie career by returning to his most famous character. Just as soon as he finishes the hottest event of the decade, the Mea Culpa Tour (Hello John Edwards, Tiger Woods, Jesse James, Chris Brown) that has claimed yet another celebrity.
Sure, men will be men. But, in an age where shame, dignity and accountability are forgotten ideals, this latest tale of a fallen politician appears par for the course in our celebrity age. Oh, the irony, too. Schwarzenegger's entire persona was built on a pile of muscle and strength. But, after all the late show hosts, pundits and gossip bloggers move on to the next scandal, a few other people will be left picking through the rubble of this invasion: the families involved. The sadder reality? It is destined to happen again...and again.
"What fools these mortals be..."
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