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, and former politician and bodybuilder. He is famed for his action film roles, achieving global recognition in movies like 'The Terminator.' Transitioning from entertainment, he served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating a career shift into the political arena after his bodybuilding and acting successes.

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 joined the Sturmabteilung (SA).

December 13, 1972: Death of Gustav Schwarzenegger

On December 13, 1972, Arnold Schwarzenegger's father, Gustav, died of a stroke. There are conflicting accounts regarding Arnold's absence from the funeral.

1977: Acknowledgment of Steroid Use

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

1980: Comeback and Seventh Mr. Olympia Win

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in Mr. Olympia. Training for his role in "Conan", he decided to compete last minute, winning with only seven weeks of preparation. He announced his official retirement from competition after winning the event for the seventh time. This victory was considered controversial due to his lack of muscle mass compared to other competitors. The event was covered in the documentary "The Comeback".

1997: Affair and Child with Housemaid

In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child with their housemaid, which he later admitted to.

1999: Lawsuits Over Steroid Use Claims

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

2003: Allegations of misconduct surface

During his initial campaign for governor in 2003, allegations of sexual and personal misconduct were raised against Arnold Schwarzenegger.

2003: Press Attention on Gustav's Background

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

November 2004: Schwarzenegger opposes Proposition 66

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

2004: Schwarzenegger responds to allegations of misconduct

In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger responded to allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced during his campaign for governor in 2003, admitting he had "behaved badly sometimes" and apologized.

2005: Criticism and Resignation from Magazine Editor Role

In 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger relinquished his executive editor role at Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines after criticism arose over a conflict of interest due to his position as governor and decisions concerning dietary supplement regulations. The deal involved the magazines donating $250,000 annually to his fitness initiatives and Schwarzenegger receiving at least $1 million a year.

2005: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

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

2005: Attempt to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship

In 2005, Peter Pilz attempted to revoke Arnold Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship due to his decision not to intervene in the executions of Donald Beardslee and Stanley Williams.

August 2006: Libel lawsuit settled

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

2006: Veto of Single-Payer Health Care Bill

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

2007: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

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

2008: Veto of Single-Payer Health Care Bill

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

2008: Baena filed for divorce

In 2008, Mildred Patricia Baena filed for divorce from her husband, Rogelio. Baena had a son with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Rogelio questioned the paternity of the child.

2010: Bought house for Baena and their son

In 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger bought a new four-bedroom house with a pool for Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena and their son Joseph in Bakersfield, California. This was before the information was revealed to the public in 2011.

January 2011: Baena retired from household

In January 2011, Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, Arnold Schwarzenegger's housekeeper, retired after working for the family for 20 years. It was later revealed that Schwarzenegger had fathered a son with Baena more than 14 years earlier.

May 16, 2011: Los Angeles Times reveals paternity of son

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

September 2012: Judge states "abuse of discretion" in Núñez commutation.

In September 2012, Sacramento County superior court judge Lloyd Connelly stated there was an abuse of discretion regarding the commutation, but ruled Schwarzenegger remained within his executive powers as governor.

October 2012: Release of "Total Recall"

In October 2012, Arnold Schwarzenegger released his autobiography, "Total Recall", which covers his life as a bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California, and includes a chapter on his extramarital affair.

January 2014: Expressed regret for mistakes

In January 2014, when asked what he was least proud of, 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 Trump Remarks

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

March 2017: Departure from The New Celebrity Apprentice

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

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2023: Schwarzenegger Revisits Misconduct Allegations

In 2023, while promoting his new documentary on Netflix called Arnold, Arnold Schwarzenegger revisited the issue of sexual and personal misconduct allegations during his initial campaign for governor in 2003. Schwarzenegger stated 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 for failing to declare an Audemars Piguet watch, later pre-paying potential taxes and auctioning off the watch for €270,000 for the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.