Arnie sex and drugs boast

An interview in which Arnold Schwarzenegger confessed to taking part in an orgy and smoking pot last night threatened to derail his political ambitions.

In the article, published by adult magazine Oui during the actor's bodybuilding days in 1977, he talks openly about the size of his penis and using his physique to attract a string of women.

The six-page piece, published when Schwarzenegger was 29, has been reproduced on a website called The Smoking Gun.

It features the man who is now running to become the Republican governor of California giving a graphic account of how he and fellow bodybuilders had sex with a woman at their gym.

And the actor is equally candid about his drug taking. Asked 'Do you use dope?' Schwarzenegger replied: 'Yes, grass and hash - no hard drugs. But the point is that I do what I feel like doing.'

The actor yesterday sought to brush off the furore around the article. 'I haven't lived my life to be a politician,' he said.

Republican strategist Allan Hoffenblum said: 'It is shocking among family-value types but that group is least likely to vote for him regardless.'

But Democratic political consultant Kam Kuwata said the star's quotes about 'f****** chicks' and the size of his manhood would not sit well with some voters.

During a series of radio interviews, the actor gave his most detailed account of his views on a range of issues.

Schwarzenegger said he was in favour of legalising marijuana for medicinal purposes, the right to abortion and a ban on assault rifles. But, he added, he was opposed to gay marriages.