Australian actress Deborra-Lee Furness has a message for the tabloids: Stop calling my husband gay.
During an appearance on the interview program Anh’s Brush With Fame, Furness touched on the ceaseless rumors around her husband’s sexuality, calling them “made up” and “mean-spirited.”
“He’s been gay so many years,” she joked. “I was gay, too. You know when I did Shame? I was gay. They were shocked when I got married.”
When pressed on whether the rumors affect her, she said: “It’s just wrong. It’s like someone saying to Elton John, ‘He’s straight.’ I’m sure he’d be pissed.”
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The couple met on the set of the Australian television show Correlli in 1995. Furness described the “instant connection” they shared.
Related: Hugh Jackman says making out with another dude sparked gay rumors, but he doesn’t regret a thing
“We just had this amazing connection,” she said. “And I feel blessed that I experienced, that I feel like I met my soulmate, whatever that is.”
Within a year, they were married.
“When you find a partner in crime that you share and you grow together—and life is tough as we know it, it’s not all good—and when you have someone there that is so supportive…you can really stand buck naked. You have to,” she said. “When you’ve got kids and life and whatever, you stand there buck naked, authentic, warts and all, this is who it is, and you’re loved, there’s nothing better.”
In addition to those pesky gay rumors, Furness said it’s also annoying when people tell her she’s “lucky” to be with Jackman.
“Lucky? Like I won a chook raffle.” she said. “People don’t realize that it’s actually rude to say that. But yeah…[that’s]because he’s the stud muffin. But that’s show biz and Hollywood and the brand of Hugh Jackman.”
Donston
I mean, I do get the rumors. Men who go for older women/mother figures do appear to frequently be “queer-ish” in whatever ways. While Jackson for years has been palling around with out industry guys and rumored closeted guys. He has been seen at a handful of Bryan Singer’s “scandalous” parties. And he seems to have more “queer-ish” mannerisms when he thinks no one is watching.
I do somewhat understand her frustration. But the comparison to Elton John is off. It’s almost like she’s trying to make a victim out of her very privileged self. When she addressed this over a decade ago her response was fairly tacky as well, hyping up Hugh’s performance in the bedroom. As if sexual performance is the be-all of anyone’s orientation.
None of this is really anyone’s business. But at this point I’m gonna need everyone in the entertainment industry to stop with the “gay panic” when talking about this stuff. This is 2020. There’s no excuse for that any longer. It’s funny how quick someone is to say they ain’t “gay” but won’t discuss how f-ed up and problematic the industry is and won’t discuss the hetero pressures, closet pressures, gay shame and internalized homophobia that still persist in the industry. While we should understand the realities of things like fluidity, internal and external struggles and the gender, romantic, sexual, emotional investment, relationship spectrum. If you’re not gonna tackle any of that then you’re better off not responding or saying a simple “no”. I’m just tired of these people merely pushing identity politics or whining about a small amount of people thinking you’re “gay”.
Jared MacBride
Too many words.
Donston
Don’t read em.
Donston
Also, I said “Jackson” instead of “Jackman” in that post.
trsxyz
“Men who go for older women/mother figures do appear to frequently be “queer-ish” in whatever ways.” I agree that this statement often appears to be the case. He’s kind of pretty, and not hyper-masculine, so I understand the rumors. Heck… I wish he were gay. Then I’d at least have a chance (probably not… LOL!)
LumpyPillows
She’s whiney. You know, when you have the world at your feet, no one really wants to hear you complain about nonsense. So, another lucky, rich and undeserving actor failing to see the big picture and wallowing in self pity.
jjose712
Sorry, but it’s been a good while since Jackman’s gay rumours were news, right now there’s zero interest in it and the only one who keeps mentioning it’s his wife
Donston
That’s what I’m not getting. You’re too old and too rich to be stunting internet rumors. While outside of the deepest trenches of internet gossip sites no one is talking about Jackman’s orientation, lifestyle, preferences or whatever. She’s coming off unnecessarily defensive and tone-deaf.
justgeo
What ever he is he is hot and I would love to share skin and yes fluids with the dude!
khan72
Here is your proof he is not gay
NO ONE IS OUT THERE BRAGGING ABOUT IT
If you had slept with Hugh Jackman, wouldn’t you tell the whole world
Georgeiv2
No.