Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals father beat him because he thought he was gay
The film star turned politician says his parent were worried about his obsession with bodybuilders.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed that his father beat him when he was younger because he thought he was gay.
The Terminator star – who has previously spoken of his parents attempts to “cure” his homosexuality – says his parents thought there was something “off” with their teenage son due to his “obsession” with male bodybuilders.
A young Arnie used to plaster his walls with posters of his favourite male athletes – leading to extreme measures from his mother and father.
“He ran after me with a belt and beat me,” Schwarzenegger said of his father in an interview with Xposure.
“I don’t know if mum thought I was gay, or if she just thought there was something off and thought ‘let’s catch it early.’
“She asked the doctor, ‘Can you help me? I don’t know if there’s something wrong with my son because his wall is full of naked men.
“‘All of Arnold’s friends have pictures of girls above their bed. And Arnold has no girls.’”
Schwarzenegger’s views on same-sex marriage have become more positive over the years.
During the debate over “religious freedom” laws in Indiana last year, he called on his fellow Republicans to evolve their views or risk losing support.
He also issued an epic response to critics of his support of LA Pride and the Supreme Court’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage across the US.
After he changed his Facebook profile picture, one fan wrote: “What’s wrong with [you] Arnie? I have to unlike…”
The star responded simply with one of his most famous lines: “Hasta la vista”.
However, his support for LGBT rights was mixed during his time in office.
Although he vetoed same-sex marriage, he went on to perform two ceremonies. He also signed in the repeal of a “gay cure” initiative.
