Arnold Schwarzenegger has a complicated relationship with his former housekeeper-turned-mistress, Mildred Baena, and their love child, son Joseph Baena.
According to a friend of Schwarzenegger’s, the actor “doesn’t talk to her at all” but still “respects her as the mother of his child.” Schwarzenegger fathered Joseph with Mildred in October 1997 during his high-profile marriage to Maria Shriver.
Despite the backlash his shock affair caused, including sparking one of the longest divorce battles in Hollywood history, Schwarzenegger could never imagine his life without Joseph.
“Even though the situation wasn’t ideal and caused a lot of problems, he loves his son. Arnold isn’t going to fight fate, it is what it is. Though there isn’t any type of relationship with Mildred, he has no ill will towards her at all,” the insider said.
Schwarzenegger and Joseph have formed a tight bond over the years, with many swearing Joseph is his famous father’s doppelgänger. Schwarzenegger recently alluded to his affair with Mildred, seemingly taking responsibility for the infidelity costing him his marriage.
“We never left the [first] chapter, because remember, it’s not like we had a feud,” he said of his union with Shriver crumbling. “We didn’t have a fight. It’s just my f— up, right?”
It is clear that Schwarzenegger’s relationship with Mildred and Joseph is complex and nuanced. While he may not have a close relationship with Mildred, he still respects her as the mother of his child and loves his son very much.