Why Hugh Jackman’s Ex Deborra-Lee Furness Chose To Confirm His Alleged Sutton Foster Affair

Hugh Jackman‘s ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness rocked the internet this week when it was revealed that she “liked” gossip influencer Tasha Lustig’s Oct. 26 Instagram post about Hugh Jackman’s alleged affair with Sutton Foster. The 68-year-old actress did it from a private account, so only her followers knew the bombshell she had confirmed — but the word spread quickly. 

Now, insiders are revealing to the Daily Mail the reason why Furness chose the stealth social media move instead of making a more public proclamation — the timing wasn’t an accident. She was reportedly “hurt” by Jackman’s betrayal but she also knew that going to the press would be a PR disaster for everyone involved. “Her liking a simple post is the most subtle thing she could do that would have the greatest impact and it cannot be proven in any way shape or form that it was a jab to him. It’s left up to interpretation,” a source told the media outlet. 

Don’t expect Furness to be “speaking out” any further about Jackman and Foster’s alleged fling — this was probably a one-time move. Still, the Australian actress has her friends looking out for her and ensuring the message is clear. Amanda de Cadenet, Furness’ good pal, wrote in the comments of the social media post, “You are on point with this one. My beloved friend Deb is about to have her glow up any moment fyi!”

Us Weekly reported on Nov. 14 that the 56-year-old Wolverine star and his 49-year-old girlfriend are “happier than ever” by keeping a low profile that includes dinners in New York and walks in Central Park. They are reportedly planning their “wonderful next chapter” even though there is some controversy around the beginnings of their love story. “Sutton and Hugh’s relationship is the reason Hugh and Deb got divorced,” a pal of Foster’s explained. “A lot of people on Broadway knew, and we kept it quiet because both of them are so nice and great people. Everyone respected their privacy. But there was an affair and overlap.”

Jackman and Furness announced their divorce in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. They share two children, son Oscar, 24, and daughter Ava, 19. Foster filed for divorce on Oct. 22 from her husband of 10 years, Ted Griffin and they have one daughter, Emily, 7.

Before you go, click here to see all the celebrity couples who have stayed together after cheating scandals.