News of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver splitting up made the rounds earlier this week and I just assumed it was because Arnie is out of politics and no longer needed the political clout of Maria’s family.

Turns out it’s because Arnie is no longer in politics and finally admitted to his wife that he fathered a love child with one of the hired help – 10 years ago. Whoops!

“After leaving the governor’s office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago,” Schwarzenegger said Monday night in a statement issued to The Times in response to questions. “I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry.
“I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time,” the statement concluded. “While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not.”

That’s a pretty big secret to keep for 10 years.

Stacey: I think this whole story is so so sad.  I feel awful for Maria and her children.  Not only would it be terrible to find this out, but then to live it out in the public eye?  He should be ashamed of himself and what he is putting his family through.

What amazes me though is that women, aside from Maria, actually want to sleep with this dude.  Like, could you imagine letting him touch you?  And do things to you?  And him whispering sweat nothings to your ear in that horrible accent?

Oh gawd.  That literally gave me the willies.  So gross. 

(pic: The Superficial)

TIMEis reporting that Wyclef Jean is going to run for presidency in Haiti.

Why do entertainers think they’re cut out to be political figures? Most of them don’t have the educational or professional backgrounds that would qualify them for it, and pretty much the only things they’ve got are the money to campaign and the name recognition to pull it off. Sure they’re experienced and lying through their teeth (aka ‘acting’), paying off mistresses and hiding their love children, but I’d like to think it takes more than that to run a country.

In honor of this moment, lets look back on some of the other entertainers who think they’ve got what it takes to run for office (or at least were rumored to be):

• Brad Pitt – actor, father of 6, Mayor of New Orleans, Senator (who is pushing for the legalization of marijuana), and President of the United States of America
• Mary Carey – porn star, Governor of California
• Arnold Schwarzenegger – actor, barbarian, Governor of California
• Ben Affleck – actor, director, Congressman
• Alec Baldwin – actor, abusive father, President of the United States of America
• Wyclef Jean – musician, charity frauder, President of Haiti
• Jay-Z – musician, CEO of the ROC, Mayor of NYC
• Lil’ Kim – musician, Asian (?), Mayor of Hoboken, NJ

Stacey: My hubby and I were talking about this because, at first it seems a little absurd.  But maybe Wyclef will be good for Haiti.  From what I know of him, he seems like he is genuinely invested and cares about the people of Haiti and about making the world a better place.  Correct me if I am wrong, but there are a lot of accusations about the Haitian government being corrupt.  Since Wyclef is already rich/famous, maybe he will be able to operate the government in the best interest of the country rather than his own.  But maybe that’s just what I would like to believe.

But just for funsies, I have added a local celeb to the above list:

• Barb Higgins: local celebrity, local journalist, Mayor of Calgary

(pic: The Superficial)

(Pic: ineedtostopsoon.com)

Could you imagine looking at this every day?  Every time you leave the house to go pick up groceries?  Want to grab a coffee?  Want to have dinner with friends?  Ya, me either.  While I love celebrity gossip, the pictures are a bit much.  I really don’t care where Jessica Simpson goes to get her nails done and I don’t care where one of the Kardashian’s buy underwear.  I really really don’t. I do, however, care when one of them is sleeping with the others boyfriends.  That hasn’t happened yet (that I know of) but I am still waiting (hope, hope).

And the means by which many of these photos are taken can be frightening to imagine let alone having it happen.  Remember a few years back when Jennifer Aniston had pictures taken of her in her own back yard by a paparazzi who scaled a tree and used a telescopic lens to get a picture of her in nothing but her underwear?  Could you imagine how violated you would feel?  And do you remember the circus around Britney back when she was having her melt down? It was pandemonium and dangerous.  I couldn’t imagine living in constant fear that a gaggle of these people would be waiting around every corner just dying to get a photo of me doing something embarrassing or scandalous.  I am paranoid enough on my own, thank you very much.

And while some celebrities make their money by tipping off the paparazzi, there are many others who find their constant hounding invasive. And although I do think going to The Ivy for lunch is begging to be papped, celebs are also entitled to their personal space.  They should be able to go to the doctors without a swarm of photogs outside waiting to snap them then claim they are having fertility problems.  And because of that The Terminator, I mean, Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a new bill that will fine paparazzi that take photos of celebs during private or personal time.  I am not really sure how they will enforce that or what constitutes “personal or familial activity” but hopefully those that want some privacy will get it back.

I wonder when they will sign the anti fame whore bill that keeps those who want to be famous but have no real talent from appearing in magazines or on television?

Tanya: Agreed. Wholeheartedly. You shouldn’t have to live in fear that someone is going to drive like a maniac and run you off the road, hide in your backyard, or cause a scene in order to get a photo. Its perverse and pervasive. While its probably good for the bankroll to get the photo of Britney having a meltdown or getting in a car accident, it’s not good that you caused it.

I love the celeb photos. Not gonna lie. But when it crosses the line it makes me feel bad. I read the mags, therefore I am supporting the mags that buy these photos. I’m a hypocite. I hope though that this site can be one that supports the celebrities, has good photos, dishes the gossip but still respects the celebs’ need to have a little space.

And the anti-Fame Whore law – I’m all over that too