Hugh Jackman, renowned for his portrayal of Wolverine, is finding himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his acting career. The 56-year-old actor has faced criticism from friends and fans alike over his blossoming romance with Broadway star Sutton Foster, 49, following his separation from Deborra-Lee Furness in 2023.
Sources reveal that Jackman’s close circle has not taken kindly to his public displays of affection with Foster, particularly after his high-profile divorce from Furness, his wife of 27 years.
Friends Take Sides in the Wake of Divorce
Jackman’s recent trip to Australia, where he spent time reconnecting with old friends, has reportedly been a challenging experience. Many of his longtime companions have sided with Furness, 69, expressing disapproval of Jackman’s new relationship.
“Few people back home appreciate the way Hugh kicked his devoted wife to the curb for a stage starlet,” said an insider. “His friends are giving him a hard time, and that’s been tough for him because he’s such a sensitive guy.”
The backlash has reportedly left Jackman questioning whether his romance with Foster is moving too quickly. Insiders note that Jackman, who has always been known for his integrity and kindness, is nervous about further damaging his reputation.
“He’s really stung by the criticism,” the source continued. “The consensus seems to be that Hugh should take a step back from the blistering romance.”
A Love Born on Broadway
Rumors of a romance between Jackman and Foster first surfaced in 2023 when the two starred together in The Music Man on Broadway. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, and reports suggest they spent significant time together in private, even meeting secretly before going public with their relationship.
Speculation about their relationship grew after Foster announced her separation from her husband, screenwriter Ted Griffin, in October 2023.
Jackman and Foster were recently spotted on a date in Santa Monica, appearing affectionate and carefree. However, sources close to the actor suggest he may cool the public displays of affection as he navigates the backlash.
Balancing Romance and Reputation
Despite the criticism, Jackman is reportedly deeply smitten with Foster. “She’s an incredible person, and he’s infatuated with her,” said a source. “They click physically and on many other levels.”
However, Jackman’s friends worry that flaunting the relationship so soon after his divorce could harm his image further. “He knows it, and everyone around him knows it,” the insider added.
Jackman is said to be rethinking how to handle his budding romance while maintaining his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most likable stars.
As Jackman continues to navigate the challenges of his personal life, one thing is clear—his romance with Foster may be difficult to put on pause, even under the glare of public scrutiny.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.