EXCLUSIVE Hugh Jackman seen SMILING in public after ex Deborra-Lee Furness' shock divorce statement
The 56-year-old actor exited his off-Broadway play 'Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes' around 5pm on Friday to greet fans who stood outside New York City 's Minetta Lane Theatre eager to catch a glimpse of him.
DailyMail.com witnessed the actor in high spirits and was all smiles as he signed his autograph, took photos with adoring fans and even gave some a hug.
The Deadpool and Wolverine star, who changed into comfy shorts and a T-shirt, didn't seem bothered by his divorce playing out in the news as he was focused on making the fans happy since they had waited outside over half an hour since the play had ended.
He told the crowd, 'Thanks for waiting,' and made sure to thank them for coming, even asking some fans how they were doing.
As he made his way to a nearby Citi bike rack, fans continued to approach him and he made sure to give each and every one attention.
A few minutes after socializing with fans, he hopped on his Citi bike and rode away.
Before Hugh exited the theater, his costar Ella Beatty - Warren Beatty and Annette Bening's 25-year-old daughter - left the theater separately and also took the time to greet fans and sign autographs.
When asked about working alongside Hugh, who she has steamy kisses with onstage, she told DailyMail.com, 'I love Hugh. He's the most wonderful person.'
She refused, however, to comment on how he's holding up amid his ex's divorce filing. Instead of responding, she kept quiet and continued to greet fans.
DailyMail.com revealed earlier this week that the 69-year-old Australian producer had filed a petition for divorce in New York on May 23, nearly two years after they announced their separation.
In fact, everything between the couple had been ironed out behind the scenes since multiple court documents on behalf of Furness' attorney were also filed, including the settlement, a proposed judgment of divorce, and certificate of dissolution.
All that needs to be done now is for the judge to sign off on the judgment.
Furness shocked fans by releasing a statement using the word 'betrayal' when speaking about her 'traumatic journey.'
In a statement sent to DailyMail.com, Deborra-Lee said, 'My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal. 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.'
She continued, 'This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage. I have gained much knowledge and wisdom through this experience. 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 concluded her statement with the 'one thing' that she has learned, which is 'that none of this is personal,' adding, 'We are all on our individual journeys and I believe 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 recognize and heal the broken parts of ourselves...I remain grateful.'
After Furness' shock statement, a source had revealed exclusively to DailyMail.com Jackman's 'bitter reaction' to her statement.
Jackman was blindsided by her words, the source spilled, as he believed they had an 'understanding' they would not publicly trash one another after having a 'secret agreement.'
'Hugh was extremely disappointed after reading what his ex had said,' the insider explained. 'There was no stipulation that she could not address this but there was an unwritten understanding that she would not trash him to the press.
'She got around this by not naming him - instead focusing on how she felt.'
The couple had been married for 27 years and have two adopted children together - their son Oscar, 24, and a daughter Ava, 19.
Furness has received a 'handsome spousal support payment,' according to an insider who spoke to DailyMail.com, which she is 'pleased with.'
'There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, she got what she believed she deserved,' the source added. 'Both are coming out of this financially secure.'
A separate source said the divorce is 'non contested,' meaning there was not a major disagreement between the couple divorcing.
'They have worked out the details in advance and everything is ironed out in terms of a settlement, alimony and the expenses for the future of their children,' they said.
'They are amicable and they are both fully committed to being the best parents that they can be.'
Jackman, who is dating Sutton Foster and was seen walking hand-in-hand with her days before the filing, is 'looking forward to the future and not looking back.'
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