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. He rose to fame as a bodybuilding champion, subsequently transitioning to a successful acting career, primarily known for action films like "The Terminator". His career culminated in his election as the 38th Governor of California, serving from 2003 to 2011.

Sections (6)

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

1938: Gustav Schwarzenegger joins the Nazi Party

In 1938, Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, joined the Nazi Party after the Anschluss.

1939: Gustav Schwarzenegger joins the Sturmabteilung (SA)

In 1939, Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, joined the Sturmabteilung (SA).

1975: Mr. Olympia Win and Marijuana

In 1975, after winning Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger is shown smoking a marijuana joint in the documentary film Pumping Iron (1977).

1977: Acknowledged using performance-enhancing anabolic steroids

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

1977: Oui Interview and Pumping Iron

In 1977, an interview in adult magazine Oui gained attention in which Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed using marijuana. He is also shown smoking a marijuana joint in the documentary film Pumping Iron.

1980: Won Mr. Olympia for a seventh time and retired from competition

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in and win the Mr. Olympia contest for a seventh time, after which he officially retired from competition. This victory was highly controversial.

1997: Fathered a Child with Housemaid

In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child with their housemaid.

1999: Sued Willi Heepe and settled with Globe tabloid

In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Willi Heepe, a German doctor, for libel and collected US$10,000. In 1999, he also sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. tabloid, for similar predictions about his health.

2003: Press Attention on Gustav's Background

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

2003: Sexual Misconduct Allegations

During the 2003 campaign for governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger faced allegations of sexual and personal misconduct, which were reported in the Los Angeles Times.

2003: "Amend for Arnold" Bill

In 2003, The Equal Opportunity to Govern Amendment was introduced, widely known as the "Amend for Arnold" bill, aimed at modifying the U.S. Constitution to allow Arnold Schwarzenegger to run for president despite not being a natural-born citizen.

November 2004: Opposed Proposition 66

In November 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger played a significant role in opposing Proposition 66, a proposed amendment to the Californian Three Strikes Law. He launched an intense campaign, arguing that it would release dangerous criminals.

2004: Responded to Allegations

In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger responded to allegations of sexual misconduct, admitting he had "behaved badly sometimes" and apologized, while also disputing the truthfulness of many of the stories.

2004: "Amend for Arnold" Campaign

In 2004, the "Amend for Arnold" campaign was launched, featuring a website and TV advertising promotion to support a constitutional amendment that would allow Arnold Schwarzenegger to run for U.S. president.

2005: Attempt to Revoke Austrian Citizenship

In 2005, Peter Pilz from the Austrian Green Party unsuccessfully advocated for the Austrian Parliament to revoke Arnold Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship due to his decision not to intervene in the executions of Donald Beardslee and Stanley Williams, citing Article 33 of the Austrian Citizenship Act.

2005: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2005, as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed bills that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

2005: Relinquished executive editor role at Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines

In 2005, following criticism over potential conflicts of interest, Arnold Schwarzenegger relinquished his executive editor role at Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines.

August 2006: Libel Lawsuit Settled

In August 2006, British television personality Anna Richardson settled a libel lawsuit against Arnold Schwarzenegger, his aide Sean Walsh, and his publicist Sheryl Main related to allegations of sexual misconduct.

2006: Veto of Single-Payer Healthcare Bill

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

October 2007: Marijuana Comment Controversy

In October 2007, Arnold Schwarzenegger caused controversy when he said marijuana is "not a drug, it's a leaf" in an interview with GQ magazine, later clarified as a joke by his spokesperson. He stated that his drug was pumping iron.

2007: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2007, as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed bills that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

2008: Veto of Single-Payer Healthcare Bill

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

April 2010: Named One of the "Worst Governors"

In April 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger was named one of the 11 "worst governors" in the United States by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington due to various ethics issues during his term as governor.

May 2010: Núñez Sentenced

In May 2010, Esteban Núñez, son of Fabian Núñez, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the death of Luis Santos. This event involved a close political ally of then-Governor Schwarzenegger.

May 16, 2011: Los Angeles Times revealed Schwarzenegger fathered a son

On May 16, 2011, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a son, Joseph, over 14 years earlier with Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, an employee in their household.

2011: Separation from Maria Shriver

In 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separated after he admitted to having fathered a child with their housemaid.

September 2012: Commutation Abuse of Discretion

In September 2012, a Sacramento County superior court judge stated that Schwarzenegger's commutation in the Núñez case was an abuse of discretion, marking a controversial point in his legacy. The commutation led to a new bill requiring victim notification before commutations.

January 2017: Instagram Response to Trump

In January 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger reacted to criticism from Donald Trump via Instagram, suggesting they switch jobs, with Trump taking over TV and Schwarzenegger taking over the presidency.

March 2021: Comments on Recall Election

In late March 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger was interviewed about the upcoming recall election in California. He said that "it's pretty much the same atmosphere today as it was then," and when he was asked about Newsom's claim of this being a "Republican recall" he responded that "this recall effort is sparked by ordinary folks," and that this was not a power grab by Republicans.

2023: Revisited Sexual Misconduct Allegations

In 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger revisited the issue of sexual misconduct allegations while promoting his Netflix documentary called "Arnold", stating that he was "totally wrong".

January 17, 2024: Detainment by German Authorities

On January 17, 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained by German authorities in Munich after failing to declare a watch manufactured by Audemars Piguet to customs agents. He was released after pre-paying potential taxes, and the watch was later auctioned for charity.