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 gained fame through bodybuilding before transitioning to a successful acting career, particularly in action films like 'Terminator' and 'Predator'. He served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating his ability to cross over from entertainment to politics.

Sections (6)

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

1938: Gustav Schwarzenegger joined the Nazi Party

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

1939: Gustav Schwarzenegger joined the Sturmabteilung (SA)

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

1977: Acknowledged using performance-enhancing anabolic steroids

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

1980: Won Mr. Olympia for the seventh time

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in and win the Mr. Olympia competition for a seventh time, a victory that was highly controversial. He was training for Conan and got into shape and decided to compete last minute.

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1997: Affair with Housemaid

In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger had a child with the family housemaid, which he admitted to years later, leading to his separation from Maria Shriver.

1999: Sued Willi Heepe and Globe

In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Willi Heepe, a German doctor, for publicly predicting his early death based on steroid use, and also sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. tabloid, for similar predictions.

2003: Allegations of sexual misconduct arise

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

2003: Introduction of the Equal Opportunity to Govern Amendment

In 2003, the Equal Opportunity to Govern Amendment, nicknamed the "Amend for Arnold" bill, was introduced to the U.S. Constitution to allow Arnold Schwarzenegger to run for president.

November 2004: Schwarzenegger opposes Proposition 66

In November 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger played a significant role in opposing Proposition 66, an amendment of the Californian Three Strikes Law. Schwarzenegger launched an intense campaign against Proposition 66, stating that it would release 26,000 dangerous criminals and rapists.

2004: Schwarzenegger responds to misconduct allegations

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

2004: "Amend for Arnold" campaign launch

In 2004, the "Amend for Arnold" campaign was launched, featuring a website and TV advertising promotion to allow Arnold Schwarzenegger to run for U.S. President.

2005: Relinquished executive editor role

In 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger relinquished the executive editor role at Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines due to conflict of interest concerns regarding regulation of dietary supplements in California.

2005: Call to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship

In 2005, Peter Pilz 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.

2005: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

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

August 2006: Settlement of libel lawsuit with Anna Richardson

In August 2006, Anna Richardson settled a libel lawsuit against Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Walsh, and Sheryl Main regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.

2007: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

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

May 2010: Esteban Núñez sentenced for manslaughter

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

May 16, 2011: Los Angeles Times revealed Schwarzenegger fathered a child with Mildred Baena

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. He 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 publicly admitted to having fathered a child with their housemaid.

September 2012: Commutation of Núñez's sentence deemed an abuse of discretion

In September 2012, Sacramento County superior court judge Lloyd Connelly stated that Schwarzenegger's commutation of Esteban Núñez's sentence was an abuse of discretion, though within his executive powers as governor.

October 2012: Release of Total Recall Autobiography

In October 2012, Arnold Schwarzenegger's autobiography, Total Recall, was released. The book covers his life as a bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California, and includes a chapter addressing his extramarital affair.

January 2017: Instagram Reaction to Donald Trump's Remarks

In January 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger reacted to Donald Trump's remarks via Instagram, suggesting a job swap.

March 2017: Departure from "The New Celebrity Apprentice"

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

January 17, 2024: Detainment by German Authorities

On January 17, 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained by German authorities in Munich for failing to declare a watch to customs agents, leading to criminal tax proceedings. He was released after three hours and pre-paying potential taxes, and the watch was later auctioned for €270,000 to benefit the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.