Hugh Jackman was reportedly surprised and upset when his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness spoke publicly about their divorce. She called their separation a “traumatic journey of betrayal” after filing for divorce on May 23, 2025. The couple had announced their split in September 2023 but stayed quiet until now.
Jackman, 56, and Furness, 69, were married for 27 years before separating. They adopted two children together. Their breakup seemed peaceful at first, but Furness’ recent statement changed that.
“My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. Itโs a profound wound that cuts deep,” Furness said in her statement.
A source close to Jackman said he was “extremely disappointed” by her words. The source claimed there was an “unwritten understanding” that Furness would not speak badly about him in public.
“Hugh knows that he cannot change anything, and it is unfortunate that Deb feels the way she did given the fact that he caved in to all of her divorce requests,” the insider added.
Furness did not directly name Jackman in her statement. Instead, she talked about her personal feelings. She said she believes in a “higher power” helping her through the pain.
“Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose,” she continued.
The couple first met in 1995 on an Australian TV show and married a year later. They were seen as one of Hollywoodโs strongest couples before their separation.
After their split, Jackman moved on with Broadway star Sutton Foster, 50. They worked together in The Music Man and were seen holding hands in early 2025. Reports say Furness was hurt by their relationship.
Furness filed for divorce in New York, and the couple reportedly settled their finances privately. She received a “handsome spousal support payment,” according to sources.
Jackman responded to Furness’ statement by posting a video on Instagram. He danced to *NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” with the caption “FINALLY.” Some fans saw this as a reaction to the divorce news.
The divorce process took nearly two years after their initial separation announcement. Both had promised to keep things private, but Furness broke that silence with her emotional statement.
Despite the tension, both remain focused on co-parenting their children, Oscar and Ava. A source said they are “amicable” and committed to being good parents.
Furness ended her statement on a hopeful note, saying she remains “grateful” for her experiences. She also talked about healing and finding freedom in living by her own values.
“Returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom,” she said.
Jackman has not made any direct comments about Furness’ statement. His representatives did not respond to media requests for further details.
The coupleโs divorce marks the end of one of Hollywoodโs longest marriages. Fans are still reacting to the news, with many expressing surprise at Furness’ strong words.
Some supporters believe Furness had the right to share her feelings. Others think she should have kept things private as initially agreed. The situation has sparked debates about celebrity breakups and public statements.
Jackman and Furness were last seen together publicly in April 2023, months before their separation. Since then, their lives have taken different paths, with Jackman moving on romantically and Furness focusing on personal growth.
The divorce settlement includes properties in New York, Sydney, and East Hampton. Both have successful careers, with Furness working as an actress and director.
Furness has been active in adoption advocacy, changing laws in Australia to help families. Her work has earned her respect beyond her marriage to Jackman.
As the news spreads, more details may come out about their split. For now, Furness’ statement remains the most revealing insight into what went wrong.
Credits: Cosmopolitan