Hugh Jackman has faced significant criticism for attending this year's Met Gala with his new girlfriend, Sutton Foster. The Wolverine star's decision was perceived as a harsh final blow to his ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, as the couple arrived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday night, tenderly holding hands while posing for photographs.
Social Media Reaction
Social media users were quick to condemn Jackman's move as 'disrespectful' and 'classless'. 'Thumbs down! It's forever team Debbie over here!!' one person remarked. 'Poor Deborra,' a second added. 'Not a fan,' another commented. 'I lost big respect for him,' someone else wrote. 'Yes, pathetic,' another user sarcastically chimed in.
Background of the Relationship
The actor finalized his divorce from Furness last June, after 27 years of marriage. His romance with Foster began in late 2024, following their starring roles in the Broadway revival of The Music Man in 2021. Jackman, 57, and his ex-wife, 70, had previously attended multiple Met Galas together, with their last joint appearance in 2023. He notably attended the 2024 gala solo and skipped the event altogether in 2025 amid their high-profile split.
Met Gala 2026 Appearance
For his grand return to the Met Gala in 2026, Jackman had Foster, 51, by his side as he ascended the Metropolitan Museum of Art's iconic staircase. The couple appeared completely smitten, frequently sharing loving glances during their red carpet appearance. Jackman towered over Foster in a black tuxedo with a stylish velvet jacket and shiny dress shoes. He was clean-shaven with his short brunette hair pushed back with gel. Meanwhile, Sutton was the picture of elegance in a glittering gold one-shoulder gown with a matching jewelled clutch.
Wedding Rumours
Their Met Gala debut as a couple comes amid rumours that a wedding between the pair is imminent. In February, the Globe claimed that Hugh rejected the idea of drawing up a prenuptial agreement with the Broadway star. The alleged wedding planning occurs less than a year after Hugh and Deborra-Lee finalised their bitter divorce. The exes, who first separated in 2023, share two adult children: son Oscar, 25, and daughter Ava, 20. The Met Gala had become a tradition for them in the latter years of their marriage, with the couple making back-to-back appearances in 2017 and 2018.
