“You Looked Better with Deb”: Hugh Jackman’s Met Gala Stint with GF Sutton Foster Gets a Thumbs Down as Fans Remember His Ex-Wife Deborra-Lee Furness

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster turned heads at the Met Gala 2026, appearing cheerful and affectionate on the red carpet. However, the reaction online was far more mixed. Many fans said they missed Jackman’s former wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, from whom he separated in 2023 amid controversy. Their appearance also drew criticism over their outfits, with some viewers feeling the looks fell short of the “Costume Art” theme.

The Deadpool & Wolverine actor went for an all-formal look with a crisp white shirt, black tuxedo with a matching bowtie. On the other hand, Foster opted for a shimmery gold gown.

Their outfits drew a lukewarm response, and social media users also compared Hugh Jackman to his ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, with some saying they preferred the former pairing. The scrutiny grew further after Deborra had earlier hinted at experiencing a “betrayal” following their separation, which had sparked speculation at the time.

One of the social media users wrote, “PS – you looked better with Deb. You were liked more with Deb.” One of the X users said, “Aren't both of them left their spouses for each other?’ A user on X further mocked the couple, saying, “Oh, how cute, the cheater and the homewrecker.”

Taking a dig at Sutton Foster, a social media user commented, “She probably spent thousands of dollars on this ridiculous PR move.” A user on X lashed out at Hugh Jackman and said, “Yeah, let’s bring the girlfriend that we cheated our wife with. Lost all respect for Hugh after he did this, to be honest.”

The digs continued as one social media user said, “What’s so funny? Cheating?” Another X user asked, “Why is either one of them here?” Not only was their controversial relationship criticized, but the duo’s sartorial choice was also roasted.

One of the social media users said, “Man, what about fashion?” An X user called the couple, “Worst dressed of the night.” Another user on X chimed in, “It does not even fit the theme.”

In a statement back in 2023, after her separation from Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness released a statement to The Daily Mail that said, “My heart and compassion go out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal.” She furthermore called the end of her 27 years of marriage with The Greatest Showman actor to be “a profound wound that cuts deep." The couple had entered marital bliss in April 1996 with a 13-year age gap between them, where Hugh was 27 while Furness was 40. They share two adopted children, Oscar and Ava.

On the other hand, Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster had been friends for a long time, where they met for the first time on Broadway. The duo also starred together in the musical, The Music Man. After Jackman’s separation from Deborra in 2023, Foster also filed for divorce from her ex-husband, Ted Griffin, about a year later.

Jackman and Foster sparked romance rumors in early 2025 and hard launched their relationship in October 2025 at the premiere of Song Sung Blue. However, the relationship dynamics were said to have been subjected to a lot of media scrutiny and backlash from fans as Sutton Foster was said to have been good friends with Deboraa-Lee Furness.

An insider revealed to Star Magazine that Foster also tried “apologizing” to Deborra for beginning a romantic relationship with her ex-husband, but the Blessed actress reportedly was in no mood to forgive her.