The 41-year-old director of Stewart's film, Snow White and the Huntsman, also issued a statement on Wednesday saying he was "utterly distraught" over the pain he has caused to his wife and children following his indiscretion with the 22-year-old actress that made headlines around the world.
"I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. 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," Stewart said in a statement to People magazine.
A fling between a Hollywood star and her director is nothing new in showbiz, but this one gained widespread attention because of the high-profile people involved. Stewart, 22, and Pattinson, 26, portray the vampire-human couple of the Twilight series of blockbuster romance movies who are deeply in love in the films.
The pair's on-screen romance transferred to their real lives, and they confirmed they were dating in 2010. But they have tried to remain discreet in public and don't often discuss their relationship.
Given their past, Stewart's romantic liaisons with director Sanders, which was reported with photos on celebrity news outlets including People and Us Weekly, surprised celebrity watchers and put the trio in a publicly awkward situation.
"I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family. 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," Sanders said in a statement to Reuters.
British director Sanders is married to model and actress Liberty Ross, 33, with whom he has two children. In a twist befitting of a good Hollywood drama, Ross portrayed the mother to Stewart's Snow White in the Huntsman tale.
Representatives for Stewart and Pattinson did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Most recently, Pattinson and Stewart were together promoting the upcoming final Twilight film, Breaking Dawn - Part 2, at San Diego's Comic-Con earlier this month.
Universal Pictures announced in June that they were moving forward with a sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman, but did not confirm whether Sanders would helm the film. Stewart is expected to reprise her role, but is not confirmed.
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Its true that where the Western civilization indulges into such immoral acts, their pursuit in science and technology remains unparalled with the rest of the world. But the problem with our society remains in the fact that we only want to idolize the Western lifestyle in the way we talk, eat and in our relationships through the boyfriend-girlfreind culture. But when it comes to following all the positive and constructive deeds of these Western nations, then we don't pay any attention because most of the people in Pakistani media and perhaps in the society in general, need easy money and fame that lasts forever.
Western system has their social drawbacks. The sad thing is we pakistani's are only learning bad things from their societies instead of adopting their good norms!
@Muhammad Omar Iftikhar: And you want to tell us it doesn't happen in the Muslim countries? Have you forgotten high profiles affairs of Jared sheikh n Neeli where they openly lived together without marriage n former was married or syed noor's indiscretions... Give it a break there is such thing as us and them.
@Muhammad Omer: Western civilization also excels in science, technology and education. The same CAN'T be said of our country.
This remains the highlight of the Western civilization which seek timely pleasures by indulging in immoral acts of publicity. Same can be said for our media as well.