‘Betrayal’: Deborra-lee Furness’ bombshell statement about Hugh Jackman divorce

Deborra-Lee Furness has taken the extraordinary step of issuing a public statement calling out the “betrayal” in her split with Hugh Jackman.

Deborra-Lee Furness has issued a bombshell public statement, following the news that she and ex-husband Hugh Jackman have reached a major agreement in their divorce including a “handsome payment”.

In a statement published by the Daily Mail today, Furness, who was married to Jackman for almost 30 years, spoke of experiencing “traumatic betrayal” that “cut deep.”

It’s an extraordinary statement, given both Furness, 69, and Jackman, 56, have maintained a dignified silence since first announcing their split almost two years ago.

“My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” Furness said, as per the Mail.

Hugh and Deb have largely kept silent about their split – until now. Picture: Getty

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“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.’”

Furness went on to say that she had “gained much knowledge and wisdom” through “the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage”.

“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.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness wed back in 1996. Picture: Instagram

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Furness finished the statement by offering the “one thing” she had learned in the split: “That none of this is personal.” She said she remained “grateful” for her time with Jackman.

Furness’ statement came after she finally filed for divorce from Jackman, almost two years after they’d announced their split.

She reportedly submitted paperwork in New York on May 23 after they had privately reached a divorce agreement which is said to have involved “a handsome spousal support payment”.

“There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, [Deborra] got what she believed she deserved. Both are coming out of this financially secure,” the Mail quoted a source as saying.

Furness’ statement today stands in marked contrast to the former couple’s initial joint statement, announcing their split in September 2023.

“We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,” the statement read.

The Aussie power couple announced their separation in a joint statement in September 2023. Picture: John Sciulli/Getty

“Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”

The statement, signed “Deb and Hugh Jackman,” finished with a proclamation that, almost two years later, has proven untrue: “This is the sole statement either of us will make.”

Jackman was linked to his Broadway co-star Sutton Foster, 50, soon after his split from Furness was announced, and the pair were spotted kissing in public for the first time in January of this year.

Foster had filed for divorce from her Ocean’s Eleven screenwriter husband Ted Griffin after 10 years of marriage in October last year.

Hugh Jackman is now dating former Broadway co-star Sutton Foster. Picture: Nina Westervelt/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

Jackman and Foster, who had known each other for years, co-starred in The Music Man on Broadway from 2021 to 2023.

While it seemed as though Jackman and Furness’ divorce was amicable, a friend of Furness made a claim which appeared to suggest otherwise on Instagram in November.

British actress and photographer Amanda de Cadenet left a comment on a social media video that alleged Jackman had left his wife to be with Foster.

“You are on point with this one,” de Cadenet claimed in response. “My beloved friend Deb is about to have her glow up any moment FYI!”

Speaking to the Herald Sun in January this year, Furness said she was feeling positive about the future, offering that she was now in “chapter three” of her life following her shock split from her husband of several decades.

“I’ve had a few offers for films back here so I’m still reading some scripts so if there’s something that’s great,” she said.

“I’ve got some projects in New York. I’m in my chapter three. I’m a creative, I love being creative in a variety of areas and I think I’ll be doing more travelling.”

Furness and Jackman met when they both starred in the 1995 TV crime drama Corelli, Jackman later confessing he was “mortified” to realise mid-way through the shoot that he was developing a crush on his co-star.

“I’m like, ‘I’ve got a crush on the leading lady. This is the thing you do not do. You never, ever have a relationship with your leading lady,’” he told People in 2017.

They wed the following year and adopted two children during their marriage: son Oscar, 23, in 2000, and their daughter, Ava, 19, in 2005.

Originally published as ‘Betrayal’: Deborra-lee Furness’ bombshell statement about Hugh Jackman divorce