While he obviously tore that dude several new a-holes, without a little more context it's hard to tell just how much of an overreaction it was. It certainly sounded like this wasn't the first time the poor bastard had done whatever it was he wasn't supposed to do.
Indeed, though, from the sound of it, the guy (director of photography) walked into a scene while filming was taking place. Who knows how many times he did it. The spin is that this guy walked in on one of the most "emotional" scenes being filmed. Who knows.
But, for what it's worth, it seems Mr. Bale was previously arrested (in London) for "verbally assaulting" his mother and other members of his family (e.g., sister). I don't think he was ever prosecuted for that offense, but, nonetheless, it
speaks to his character.