Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver separate

LOS ANGELES, MAY 10, ARMENPRESS:

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, have separated, with Shriver moving out of their mansion in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles while the two determine the next step in their 25-year marriage.

Shriver has been residing apart from the actor-turned-politician for the past few weeks. The former first couple confirmed the separation in a joint statement released Monday after questions were raised by the Los Angeles Times.

"This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us," the statement read. "After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship.

"We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the center of both of our lives.

"We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment.

"We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public."

Over the years, the couple's marriage has come under close scrutiny, especially during the 2003 recall of California Gov. Gray Davis, when the Times reported on Schwarzenegger's lengthy history of groping women. At the time, Shriver defended her husband, helping lift him to victory in the free-for-all contest.