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, politician, and former bodybuilder. He gained fame as a bodybuilding champion before transitioning to a successful acting career, starring in iconic action films. He served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating his ability to transition from entertainment to politics. Schwarzenegger's career exemplifies his diverse talents and ambition, spanning athletics, entertainment, and public service.

Sections (6)

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

1938: Anschluss and Gustav Joins Nazi Party

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

1939: Gustav Joins Sturmabteilung

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

1975: Smoking marijuana after winning Mr. Olympia

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

Loading Video...

1977: Acknowledged Steroid Use

In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged using performance-enhancing anabolic steroids while they were legal, saying "steroids were helpful to me in maintaining muscle size while on a strict diet in preparation for a contest. I did not use them for muscle growth, but rather for muscle maintenance when cutting up."

1977: Oui Magazine Interview

In 1977, an interview in adult magazine Oui gained attention, in which Schwarzenegger discussed using substances such as marijuana.

1980: Came out of retirement to compete in Mr. Olympia and won

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in Mr. Olympia. Training for his role in Conan got him into good shape, so he decided he wanted to win the Mr. Olympia contest one last time, winning with only seven weeks of preparation. He officially retired from competition afterwards.

1997: Fathered a child with housemaid

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

1999: Sued Willi Heepe and settled with Globe

In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Willi Heepe, a German doctor, for publicly predicting his early death based on steroid use and later heart problems. He collected a US$10,000 libel judgment. Schwarzenegger also sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. tabloid, which had made similar predictions.

2003: Allegations of Misconduct Surface

In 2003, during his campaign for governor, allegations of sexual and personal misconduct surfaced against Schwarzenegger, reported by the Los Angeles Times.

2003: "Amend for Arnold" bill

In 2003, the Equal Opportunity to Govern Amendment was widely accredited as the "Amend for Arnold" bill, which would have added an amendment to the U.S. Constitution allowing his run.

2003: Critics state Friedman ways of thinking was strayed from

Numerous critics state that Schwarzenegger strayed from much of Friedman's economic ways of thinking in 2003, especially upon being elected Governor of California.

November 2004: Opposition to Proposition 66

In November 2004, Schwarzenegger actively opposed Proposition 66, an amendment to the Californian Three Strikes Law, launching an intense campaign in the last week before the ballot.

2004: Schwarzenegger responds to allegations of misconduct

In 2004, Schwarzenegger responded to the allegations, admitting he had "behaved badly sometimes" and apologized, while also stating that not all of the stories were true.

2004: "Amend for Arnold" campaign launched

In 2004, the "Amend for Arnold" campaign was launched, featuring a website and TV advertising promotion.

November 2005: Defeat of Schwarzenegger's sponsored ballot measures

In November 2005, a special election was held where four ballot measures sponsored by Schwarzenegger were defeated. Schwarzenegger took responsibility for the defeats, noting the large sum of money raised by the opposition.

2005: Relinquished Executive Editor Role

In 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger relinquished the executive editor role for Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines due to conflict of interest concerns.

2005: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

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

2005: Effort to revoke Austrian citizenship

In 2005, Peter Pilz advocated for the Austrian Parliament to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship, feeling his decision not to intervene in executions damaged Austria's reputation.

August 2006: Settlement of Libel Lawsuit with Anna Richardson

In August 2006, Anna Richardson settled a libel lawsuit against Schwarzenegger, his aide Sean Walsh, and his publicist Sheryl Main. The parties were content to put the matter behind them and pleased that the dispute had been settled.

2006: Veto of Single-Payer Health Care Bill

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

October 2007: GQ Magazine Interview

In October 2007, in an interview with GQ magazine, Schwarzenegger made comments about marijuana not being a drug, later clarified as a joke by his spokesperson.

2007: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

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

2008: Veto of Single-Payer Health Care Bill

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

April 2010: Named one of the "worst governors" by CREW

In April 2010, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) named Schwarzenegger one of the 11 "worst governors" in the United States, citing various ethics issues during his term.

May 2010: Esteban Núñez sentenced for manslaughter

In May 2010, Esteban Núñez, son of Fabian Núñez, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

May 17, 2011: Affair and child revealed

On May 17, 2011, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a son, Joseph, over 14 years prior with Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, an employee in their household. Schwarzenegger confessed to his wife after she confronted him with the information.

2011: Separation from Maria Shriver

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

2011: Critics state Friedman ways of thinking was strayed from

Numerous critics state that Schwarzenegger strayed from much of Friedman's economic ways of thinking in 2011, especially upon being elected Governor of California.

September 2012: Judge rules on Núñez Commutation

In September 2012, Judge Lloyd Connelly ruled Schwarzenegger abused his power in commuting Núñez's sentence, but was within executive powers.

January 2014: Expressed regret for family pain

In January 2014, Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that he was least proud of the mistakes he made that caused his family pain and split them up.

January 2017: Instagram Reaction to Donald Trump

In January 2017, Schwarzenegger responded to criticism from Donald Trump via Instagram, suggesting they switch jobs.

March 2017: Departure from "The New Celebrity Apprentice"

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

Loading Video...

August 2021: COVID-19 Comments

In August 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke out about COVID-19, urging Americans to wear masks, practice social distancing, and get vaccinated, stating: "No, screw your freedom."

2021: Condemnation of Capitol Attack

In 2021, following the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a video address likening the insurrection to Nazi Germany's Kristallnacht and condemning President Donald Trump as "a failed leader" who "will go down in history as the worst president ever."