Stuart Townsend berated Charlize Theron until she cried after she was 40 minutes late to dinner at Hungry Cat in Hollywood. They had plans to go to a Radiohead concert which were ruined. Just ruined.

A source at the restaurant tells us: “Charlize sat teary eyed as Stuart acted like a schoolmaster, lecturing her in front of their friends – like she was a tardy student.”

Diners looked shocked as Stuart’s diatribe went on and on.

“Charlize kept trying to apologise, but he wouldn’t let it go, calling her rude in front of their two guests,” adds the source.

The scolding subsided momentarily while a waitress took their meal orders, with Charlize ordering only a drink.

Says our mole: “Charlize was really embarrassed. She pleaded: ‘I’m so sorry I was late, and I’m sorry you had to wait.

But I’m here now,’ before soothing him with kisses and caresses until he finally let up.

If you don’t know who Stuart Townsend is, just think Lestat in Queen of the Damned and if the words “highly successful actor” don’t rush into your head, then you need a reality check because this guy is a real prize. And yet, he gets Charlize Theron every night while I have to fiddle with my cable so I can watch Skinemax. I can’t really complain though. Red Shoe Diaries is on tonight. Score!