LOS ANGELES: Public displays of affection gave way to public displays of apology Wednesday as "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart and the director of her latest movie candidly admitted they've had an illicit affair.

Stewart, 22, the most bankable actress in Hollywood, was first to take the plunge, confessing via People magazine that she had cheated on longtime boyfriend and "Twilight" co-star Robert Pattinson, 26.

"I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected," said Stewart, whose new film "Snow White and the Huntsman" hit US theaters in June.

"This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I'm so sorry."

Then came "Snow White" director Rupert Sanders with his own statement, saying he was "utterly distraught about the pain I have caused" to his wife of seven years, model Liberty Ross, 33, and their two young children.

"My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together," said Sanders, who is English.

Prompting both apologies was Us magazine, which revealed Tuesday it would be running "exclusive photos" of Stewart and Sanders "packing on the PDA" (public displays of affection in gossip talk) in its next issue.

It said the photos were snapped in Los Angeles on July 17.

News of the affair comes less than three weeks after Hollywood star couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes reached a "private" divorce settlement after five years of marriage.

People magazine said Stewart and Pattinson have been increasingly open about their four-year relationship, while E! Online quoted a source as saying the Stewart-Sanders fling occurred after the filming of "Snow White" was finished.

The second half of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn" is scheduled to hit theaters in November, after part one helped Stewart earn $34.5 million in the year to May, more than any other Hollywood actress, according to a Forbes list. AGENCIES