Aussie superstar Hugh Jackman has officially introduced his relationship with Sutton Foster to his millions of Instagram followers, but the reception has been far from universally positive.
Social Media Debut Meets Mixed Reactions
The Wolverine actor took to his Instagram account on Wednesday to share his admiration for his Tony award-winning girlfriend with his 33.8 million followers. Jackman, 57, posted a glowing tribute alongside photos and videos of Foster performing at New York's Cafe Carlyle.
"@suttonlenore performing during the holidays at @cafecarlyle ... now that's an iconic NYC night! And truly magical," the Australian actor captioned his post. The content featured Foster laughing in an emerald sequinned gown and a video clip of her waving to him as audience members applauded.
Fan Backlash and Disappointment
Despite this not being the couple's first public appearance together - they made their red carpet debut in October at Jackman's film premiere for Song Sung Blue - fans quickly expressed their disapproval of the latest social media display.
Many followers remain upset about Jackman's separation from his former wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, after their 27-year marriage. One critical comment suggested Jackman's affectionate words toward Foster mirrored the praise he previously directed at Furness.
Another disappointed fan commented: "TOO SOON, you made promises to Deb and we all believed you." A third person expressed their disillusionment more bluntly: "That's embarrassing Hugh! We used to think you were cool, what a disappointment."
The criticism escalated to include a viral Tyra Banks meme GIF with the famous caption: "we were all rooting for you, how dare you."
History of Speculation and Recent Developments
The negative response follows years of speculation about the nature of Jackman and Foster's relationship while both were still married to other partners. The two performers originally met while co-starring in the Broadway production The Music Man, which ran from December 2021 to January 2023.
At the time, both actors were married - Jackman to Australian actress Furness, and Foster to Ocean's Eleven screenwriter Ted Griffin. Rumours of an affair between the co-stars circulated throughout the show's duration and intensified when news broke in September 2023 that Jackman and Furness were separating.
The couple's divorce was finalised in May 2025, with Furness releasing a statement that many interpreted as referencing betrayal. "My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal," she stated at the time. "It's a profound wound that cuts deep, however I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working for us."
Sources close to Furness recently revealed that she has implemented a "strict women only" policy as she focuses on rebuilding her life following the separation.
