Kristen Stewart Cheating Scandal: When Did Robert Pattinson Find Out?

Posted July 25, 2012, 3:10 pm   •   by Andy Scott   •   11 comments

On Wednesday, Us Weekly shocked just about everyone and their mother when it posted a series of exclusive photos that showed Kristen Stewart engaging in a fling with her married Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders.

The report -- which 22-year-old Stewart later confirmed in an emotional statement to PEOPLE -- seemed to come out of nowhere, given that, as of last week, Stewart's relationship with her Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson appeared to be better than ever.

So when did the 26-year-old hunk find out about his girlfriend's dalliance?

The answer remains unclear. The two were certainly happy on July 19 -- just six days before news of Stewart's indiscretion surfaced --  when they were spotted at The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. An onlooker told Celebuzz that Pattinson and Stewart were "in and out from the backstage area to the bar and never left each other’s sides all night."

“They were kissing, holding hands and laughing. Rob and Kristen looked like they were having a relaxing time," the onlooker added.

This came after a whirlwind summer for the couple, who kicked things off with a bang -- and a whole lot of PDA -- at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

On May 23, they held nothing back at the after-party for Stewart's new movie, On the Road, where they were seen kissing and laughing as the night went on.

Stewart also attended the premiere of Pattinson's movie, Cosmopolis, later that week.

At the end of the festival, Pattinson confirmed that he and Stewart were writing a script together.

“We’re trying to write a script together,” Pattinson told Belgium outlet Ciné Télé Revue. “It won’t be for now but we’ve thought about it for a long time.”

In June, Pattinson stuck up for Stewart in Stewart's cover story for Vanity Fair, showering his girlfriend with the highest of praise.

"The perception of her is that she’s 'awkward,'" Pattinson said. “But it’s funny knowing her. It’s the absolute opposite of what people think. She’s insanely confident.”

What actually went down -- and when -- remains to be seen. What we do know: The fling between Stewart and Sanders has been confirmed by both parties, who released separate statements on Wednesday.

"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.

Forty-one-year-old Sanders, meanwhile, said: “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.”