When Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness first announced that they were splitting up after 27 years of marriage, the world was shocked yet understanding. After all, they’d had a pretty good innings, especially for a celebrity couple. But when Furness came out with an absolutely scathing statement following the official divorce filing this week, the gossip world went into overdrive.
Now, one of Jackman’s oldest childhood friends has spoken out about the statement and what the relationship has been like behind closed doors over the last few years.
“It’s not just that statement, but just the last couple of years have been difficult,” Aussie media personality Gus Worland said on 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live.
“No one wants anyone to go through what they’ve been through, and, of course, they go through everything publicly because of the type of people and the fame that they have.”
Worland has been friends with Jackman ever since they met in kindergarten.
“One thing I have been really strict on is to let Hugh and Deborra-Lee do what they have had to do,” Worland continued.
“I was over in New York with him last month and he is fine. He is going along well.
“He is moving on with his life. I hope Deb does as well. They were together for 30 years and have two beautiful kids together.”
While it’s clearly been an emotional and difficult situation for the whole family, Worland is making sure the kids — Oscar, 25, and Ava, 19 — are taken care of too.
“I go to their kids and ask them what we can do to make sure they get through this as best as possible,” he said.
Up until this week, Jackman and Furness hadn’t spoken out publicly about their split. However, once the divorce was legally settled, Deborrah made a statement to the Daily Mail in which she called the ordeal a “betrayal”.
“My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” she told the publication.
“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. This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage.”
Furness continued, noting that throughout the experience, she’s gained a lot of knowledge and wisdom, which has helped her grow.
“Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom,” she said, noting her belief that the “relationships in our lives are not random”.
“We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognise and heal the broken parts of ourselves… I remain grateful.”
Furness’ hurt feelings surrounding her split with Jackman may have been compounded by reports earlier in the week, which claimed that the Wolverine star was taking his relationship with Sutton Foster to the next level.
Gossip mag New Idea claimed that Jackman and his former Magic Man co-star are now living together at his New York City penthouse.
“They’re inseparable,” the source said. “[Foster is] slowly migrating her things over to Hugh’s place.”
Whether she’s there full time or simply has a toothbrush ready to go in the bathroom, I can only imagine how shit it must be to see news about your ex all over the media. And, according to the insider, Furness is absolutely shattered by the revelation, “knowing Sutton is making the penthouse her own — the place she poured her soul into”.
“She wants him to be happy — he deserves it and so do the kids, but Hugh’s completely green when it comes to dating. She’s concerned he’s leaping into living with someone else way too soon,” the insider claimed.
Ouchie mama.
