Hugh Jackman’s recent public display of affection towards Sutton Foster has ignited a wave of criticism from fans, many of whom are still processing his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness. The actor posted a glowing tribute to Foster’s performance at Cafe Carlyle in New York City, but the comment section quickly turned into a forum for unaddressed questions about the timing of his new relationship.
The Post and The Response
Jackman’s post, featuring Foster with her band, was captioned with praise for her performance as “iconic” and “magical.” However, instead of positive feedback, the comments were dominated by pointed reminders of his ex-wife. One user wrote, “Reminiscent of the praise you always heaped on Deb,” while another accused him of breaking promises made during his 27-year marriage. The intensity of the backlash suggests a deep sense of betrayal among some fans who had previously admired Jackman’s perceived loyalty.
Allegations of Overlap
The controversy stems from long-circulating rumors that Jackman’s relationship with Foster began before his separation from Furness. Furness herself alluded to “betrayal” in a May 2025 statement, suggesting she was blindsided by his actions. Pop culture influencer Tasha Lustig first amplified the claims in October 2024, with corroboration from Furness’ friend Amanda de Cadenet and an anonymous source from Foster’s circle. According to this source, the affair was an open secret on Broadway, with colleagues respecting the privacy of those involved until the divorce announcements.
Timeline of Events
- September 2023: Jackman and Furness announce their separation.
- October 2024: Rumors of an overlapping relationship surface, fueled by social media posts and insider claims. Foster files for divorce from Ted Griffin.
- January 2025: Jackman and Foster go public with their romance via paparazzi photos.
- May 2025: Jackman and Furness finalize their divorce; Furness releases a statement hinting at infidelity.
Jackman and Foster’s relationship reportedly began during their work on the Broadway revival of The Music Man (2021-2023). Both have since moved on, with Foster also finalizing her divorce. Despite this, the timing continues to fuel public scrutiny.
The situation highlights a broader trend: celebrity infidelity often triggers strong reactions from fans who invest emotionally in public figures. The backlash against Jackman suggests that perceptions of loyalty and integrity matter deeply, even in Hollywood. Whether the allegations are entirely true or not, the damage to his public image is evident.
