Who is Sutton Foster
Sutton Foster is a 51-year-old Tony-winning Broadway actress known for roles in productions including 'Once Upon a Mattress.' She costarred with Hugh Jackman in the 2022 Broadway revival of 'The Music Man.' Foster has been married twice: to fellow Broadway star Christian Borle and to screenwriter Ted Griffin, to whom she was married for 10 years before filing for divorce in October 2024.
Relationship with Hugh Jackman
Jackman and Foster first costarred together in the 2022 Broadway revival of 'The Music Man.' Rumors about a romance between them began circulating in early 2025. They made their Hollywood debut as a couple at the AFI Fest premiere of Jackman's film 'Song Sung Blue' in October 2025 and have since appeared together at multiple high-profile events.
Met Gala Debut and Timing
Jackman and Foster made their official Met Gala debut as a couple on May 4, 2026, arriving hand-in-hand. Jackman wore his signature black tuxedo with white dress shirt, while Foster wore a sparkly gold one-shoulder gown. The appearance occurred mere weeks after Jackman and his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness relisted their $28.75 million New York City penthouse, which they purchased together in 2008. Though their divorce was finalized in June 2024, they remain in the process of dividing remaining shared assets.
Impact on Jackman's Divorce
According to the headlines timeline, the Met Gala appearance with Foster 'stings' ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness, with sources describing the moment as a 'cruel engagement move' that has caused tension. Headlines from May 5-6, 2026 indicate Jackman 'told ex Deborra-Lee' the appearance 'will sting' and that 'things have gotten ugly' between the former spouses. While Jackman and Furness's divorce was officially finalized in June 2024, the public couple debut with Foster appears to have escalated emotional friction during their ongoing asset division.
Public Reaction
The Met Gala appearance sparked significant backlash and criticism. Multiple headlines from May 5 describe netizens giving the appearance 'thumbs down,' with reports of 'backlash' and criticism of what some characterized as a premature public coupling during ongoing divorce settlement negotiations.