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Hugh Jackman’s attempt to mend his reputation has somewhat backfired after a well-intentioned public gesture sparked criticism.
The actor, who has been under scrutiny ever since his fairytale marriage to wife Deborra-Lee Furness came to an end in 2023, was recently spotted serving frozen custard to moviegoers at a cinema in Wisconsin.
The Wolverine star, 57, appeared in high spirits as he donned an apron and enthusiastically manned a counter at a screening of his new film Song Sung Blue.
However, footage shared to social media by People magazine quickly drew backlash, with users accusing Hugh of staging a ‘publicity stunt’.
‘He’s just another fake,’ one user sniped.
‘Come on Hugh! We know it’s a bad movie,’ a second added.
‘The Hugh we were fans of? He never existed,’ another chimed in.
Hugh faced backlash when he confirmed his romance with his current girlfriend Sutton Foster at the start of the year, following his split with Deborra-Lee in September 2023 after almost three decades of marriage.
The new couple were seen holding hands as they stepped out for a date night in Santa Monica, California, just days after Hugh attended Sutton’s play in Los Angeles.
However, Hugh’s fans were left divided over the news of his budding romance, with some sharing their anger and showing their support for his ex-wife Deb.
One fumed: ‘My respect for him has gone down. pfft. Team Deb. So he was all talk in the end.’
Another said: ‘I know you can fall out of love, but I’m very disappointed in him. I really thought he was with Deb for good.’
A third commented: ‘Mr Nice guy-NOT! Team Deb,’ while a fourth shared: ‘Thought he was one of the good guys. He’s lost credibility big time.’
‘Very sad for Deborra. My heart goes out to her,’ another added.
However, others were quick to show their support for the Hollywood star as they expressed how lovely it is that Hugh has seemingly found love again.
‘Am I the only one who likes them together?’ one said of his new romance with Sutton.
Another remarked: ‘Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster are now an item. Great that Hugh has found love again.’
Meanwhile, it was recently reported that Hugh and Deb are reportedly no longer working on burying the hatchet after she became annoyed by his loved-up appearances with Sutton.
‘Hugh and Sutton are everywhere right now – red carpets, concerts, even cuddling in the street,’ an insider told this week’s New Idea magazine.
‘It’s like he’s taken their truce as a green light to bring Sutton front and centre of his world – and it’s putting pressure on Deb that she’s not ready to deal with.’
The source added it had been particularly difficult for Deb, 70, to see Hugh introduce Sutton, 50, to all their Aussie mates in New York last week when they went to an Australian pub with Kate Hudson.
Both Hugh and Sutton posted footage of The Greatest Showman star singing Sweet Caroline with Kate during a karaoke session, after attending the Gotham Awards in NYC together.
‘That’s hard for Deb to see, even two years after they split. They’re all her old friends too… to hear they were all singing Sweet Caroline together is just too much. She feels like she’s being rubbed out by people she was really close to,’ they revealed.
New Idea also claims that Hugh’s plans to bring Sutton to Australia over the Christmas holidays was the final straw for his ex-wife.
‘He’s out of his mind. Deb agreed to a truce last October hoping for a peaceful family Christmas that the kids can enjoy. She can’t win,’ the insider told the publication.
‘Hugh’s expecting way too much and Deb has made it crystal clear she doesn’t want the Hugh and Sutton snog show anywhere near her.’
It was reported back in October that after nearly two years of emotional turmoil Hugh and Deborra-Lee were finally on better terms.
Deb stunned fans earlier this year when she described the breakdown of her nearly 30-year marriage as a ‘traumatic betrayal’ that ‘cut deep’.
It was a rare candid statement for the Australian actress who – like her ex-husband – had remained publicly dignified since their split in 2023.
The reports suggested the Wolverine star had been making quiet efforts to mend fences with his ex-wife.
‘Hugh has been trying to make peace with Debs for a long while now, but as you can imagine, it has taken her time to feel ready,’ an insider told Radar Online.
‘Settling all the legal stuff seems to have helped because she’s finally coming around – they’ve gotten together a couple of times recently to talk things out. By all accounts things have improved dramatically, which is fantastic for everyone.’
They added that after the divorce was finalised, the former couple were both open to maintaining an amicable friendship.
In June, the pair finalised their divorce a month after filing, the Daily Mail exclusively revealed.
A judgment of divorce was filed on June 12, making it official. The document, however, wasn’t made public until June 23.
Read more
- Is Hugh Jackman finally ready to embrace new love with Sutton Foster amid dramatic split from Deborra-Lee?
- How did Hugh Jackman’s whirlwind romance unfold post-divorce? Discover details on the sweet settlement and his new chapter with Sutton Foster!
- Has Hugh Jackman’s romance with Sutton Foster erased any chance of burying the hatchet with ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness?
- As Hugh Jackman’s peace talks with ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness heat up, are both moving towards a harmonious new chapter?
- Is Hugh Jackman mending fences with his ex Deborra-Lee while sparking romance rumors with Sutton Foster?
