Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Arnold Schwarzenegger

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, businessman, former politician, and bodybuilder. Rising to fame as a bodybuilding champion, he transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in numerous action films. He later entered politics and served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. His career spans multiple domains, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1977: Acknowledges Steroid Use

In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged using performance-enhancing anabolic steroids while they were legal, stating they helped maintain muscle size while dieting.

1980: Mr. Olympia Comeback and Victory

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement and won the Mr. Olympia contest for the seventh time after training for his role in Conan. This victory was controversial, with critics citing his lack of muscle mass and subpar conditioning.

1999: Libel Judgment and Settlement

In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Willi Heepe, a German doctor, for predicting his early death based on steroid use, and won a libel judgment. Also in 1999, he sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. tabloid, for similar predictions.

2003: Gustav Schwarzenegger's background exposed

During the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election, Gustav Schwarzenegger's background received wide press attention.

2003: Allegations of sexual and personal misconduct

In 2003, during his initial campaign for governor, allegations of sexual and personal misconduct were raised against Schwarzenegger.

2004: Schwarzenegger responds to allegations

In 2004, Schwarzenegger responded to the allegations, admitting he "behaved badly sometimes" and apologized, but also stated that "a lot of [what] you see in the stories is not true".

2005: Resignation as Executive Editor and Criticism

In 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger relinquished the executive editor role of Muscle & Fitness and Flex after criticisms arose regarding a conflict of interest due to the governor's office making decisions about dietary supplements.

2005: Call to revoke citizenship

In 2005, Peter Pilz, a member of the Austrian Parliament from the Austrian Green Party, unsuccessfully advocated for Parliament to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship.

2005: Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2005, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

August 2006: Settlement of libel lawsuit

In August 2006, British television personality Anna Richardson settled a libel lawsuit against Schwarzenegger, his aide, and his publicist.

2006: Vetoes Single-Payer Health Care Bill

In 2006, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have implemented a single-payer health care system in California.

2007: Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2007, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

2008: Vetoes Single-Payer Health Care Bill

In 2008, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have implemented a single-payer health care system in California.

May 16, 2011: Los Angeles Times revealed son with Mildred Baena

On May 16, 2011, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a son, Joseph, with Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, a household employee, more than 14 years earlier. Schwarzenegger admitted to his wife about the event after she had confronted him with the information.

January 2017: Instagram Response to Donald Trump

In January 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger responded to Donald Trump's remarks via Instagram, suggesting they switch jobs.

March 2017: Leaves "The New Celebrity Apprentice"

In March 2017, following repeated criticisms from Donald Trump, Schwarzenegger announced he would not return for another season on "The New Celebrity Apprentice".

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2023: Revisited the allegations

In 2023, Schwarzenegger revisited the issue while promoting his new three-part biographical documentary on Netflix called Arnold and stated that he was "totally wrong".

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