Deborra-Lee Furness Reportedly Seeks More Money As Divorce With Hugh Jackman Takes Bitter Turn

For nearly three decades, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness were the Hollywood couple that made cynics believe in long-term love. They walked red carpets arm in arm, adopted two children, and spoke about each other with the kind of warmth that felt almost old-fashioned in celebrity-land. So when they announced their separation in September 2023, the world mostly heard one word: “amicable.”

Fast-forward to 2025, and the headlines have shifted from soft-focus nostalgia to something spikier: reports that Deborra-Lee Furness “wants more money,” whispers about a stalled settlement, and coverage of a divorce that looks a lot less calm than that first carefully worded statement. Toss in no prenup, a fortune reportedly in the hundreds of millions, and a new relationship for Jackman, and you’ve got the kind of story tabloids dream about.

But what is actually going on behind those dramatic headlines? Let’s unpack what’s been reported, how money and power shape the narrative, and what regular people can learn from a “bitter” celebrity divorce without needing to own an X-Men-sized bank account.

From Golden Couple to “We Have Decided to Separate”

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness met in the mid-1990s on the set of the Australian TV series Correlli. At the time, she was the established star and he was the new guy. They married in 1996, adopted two children, and spent years publicly supporting one another’s careers. Jackman often referred to Deb as his “rock,” while she championed his rise from Aussie actor to global superhero.

In September 2023, the couple released a joint statement announcing they were separating after 27 years of marriage. They framed the decision as part of “individual growth,” emphasizing mutual love and respect. Major outlets in the U.S. and abroad described the split as surprising but mature, noting that there was no immediate mudslinging, no emergency interviews, and no rushed legal filings.

Then came the quiet but crucial next steps: sorting out a long marriage, grown kids, and a very large shared financial life.

Where the Money Comes In: No Prenup and a Massive Fortune

Celebrity divorce coverage tends to zoom in on one thing: the money. In this case, there’s a lot to talk about. Multiple entertainment and financial outlets have reported that Jackman and Furness built a combined fortune estimated around $250–$400 million during their marriage, including:

• Jackman’s blockbuster film salaries and Broadway paychecks
• Furness’s acting, producing, and directing work
• A multi-country property portfolio with high-end homes in New York and beyond
• Long-term investments and business ventures accumulated over nearly three decades

Adding fuel to the fire: several legal- and celebrity-focused publications have highlighted that the couple reportedly did not have a prenuptial agreement in place. Without a prenup, everything earned during the marriage is typically considered marital property, which means it’s all up for negotiation when the relationship ends.

That combinationno prenup plus a huge fortuneis exactly why the divorce is often described as “complex” or “messy” in U.S. coverage. Lawyers have to piece together decades of financial history, and both sides are motivated to secure a future that feels fair.

“Reportedly Seeks More Money”: How a Negotiation Becomes a Narrative

Now to the line that has grabbed the most attention: reports that Deborra-Lee Furness was “holding up the divorce” because she felt “entitled to more money” or was pushing for a “handsome payment.” These claims typically trace back to unnamed “insiders” quoted in tabloids and then echoed by broader entertainment media.

Here’s what’s important to understand:

• We don’t have access to the actual confidential negotiations between the couple and their lawyers.
• In any high-net-worth divorce, it’s completely normal for one or both partners to push for a different split than what’s first offered.
• “Seeks more money” can be as simple as “the lawyers are still negotiating numbers,” which is not exactly scandalousjust tedious and expensive.

Some outlets have suggested that Deb believed she deserved a larger share of the estate, especially given that she supported Jackman long before he became a global star. That isn’t greed; that’s a legal argument you’d expect any seasoned attorney to make when one partner’s career exploded during the marriage.

Eventually, more mainstream publications reported that the couple reached a settlement to divide their multimillion-dollar fortune and property portfolio, with the remaining step being a judge’s official sign-off. In other words, whatever friction existed behind the scenes, they did ultimately land on an agreement.

Was the Divorce Really “Bitter”?

“Bitter” is a word that headlines love because it implies shouting matches, courtroom showdowns, and flying cutlery. Reality is usually less cinematic.

Based on widely reported information, we can say:

• The couple’s initial public statements emphasized respect, love, and an intent to keep things amicable.
• As time went on, reports of financial disagreements and “feeling entitled to more” surfaced, suggesting the negotiations were not as smooth as hoped.
• Furness later talked publicly about the emotional impact of the split, describing it as a deep wound and referring to feelings of “betrayal.”

Financially strained? Absolutely. Emotionally painful? She said so herself. Bitter in the tabloid sense of two people destroying each other? The public record doesn’t clearly support that, even if the negotiations were tough and the feelings raw.

The Emotional Cost: “A Profound Wound That Cuts Deep”

While the media obsessed over who got which apartment and how many millions might change hands, Deborra-Lee Furness focused on something less quantifiable: how it felt. In public comments after filing for divorce, she called the breakdown of the marriage a “profound wound that cuts deep” and spoke candidly about emotional pain and betrayal.

That wordbetrayalrang loudly. It doesn’t automatically mean infidelity or a specific scandal. Betrayal can mean feeling abandoned, blindsided, or unsupported; it can come from the way a relationship changes, from unmet expectations, or from watching your life as you knew it disappear in a matter of months.

At the same time, Jackman’s life has visibly moved forward. He’s been seen publicly with Broadway star Sutton Foster, and their relationship has been widely covered by U.S. entertainment outlets. Fans and commentators have had very strong opinions about the timing of his new romance and how it might intersect emotionally with the finalization of his divorce.

The truth is, we don’t know the full private story for either person. But we do know this: a long marriage ended, big feelings remained, and the public watched it all play out as if it were another act in a superhero franchise.

Media Spin, Gender Bias, and the “She Wants More Money” Trope

One of the most interesting parts of this story isn’t the dollar figureit’s the language. When reports say Deborra-Lee Furness “wants more money,” it taps into a familiar (and frankly tired) trope: the ex-wife painted as greedy while the famous husband is framed as the hardworking star whose fortune is at risk.

But if you flip the perspective, the narrative looks very different:

• Furness was a successful actor and creator before she met Jackman and continued to work throughout their marriage.
• The couple built their wealth together over nearly 30 years, sharing risks and sacrifices along the way.
• In many long marriages, one partner takes on more caregiving and behind-the-scenes work so the other can chase demanding career opportunitieslabor that isn’t always reflected directly in a bank account, but absolutely contributes to that wealth.

When you look through that lens, asking for what you believe is a fair share of marital assets isn’t “bitter” behavior; it’s literally what the legal system expects you to do.

The coverage around this divorce is a reminder that the way we talk about money and gender in celebrity splits still leans heavily on old stereotypes. The “he’s generous, she’s demanding” storyline is easy to writebut it rarely captures the full reality of a long, complicated marriage.

What Their Settlement Likely Needed to Resolve

While the specific terms of the final settlement are private, reporting from reputable outlets gives us a sense of the types of issues their lawyers had to work through:

• Division of property: Multi-million-dollar homes in New York and other locations, plus any shared investment properties.
• Ongoing support: Potential spousal support or lump-sum payments agreed to help both parties maintain a lifestyle comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage.
• Business interests: Royalties, residuals, and future earnings from projects initiated during their marriage.
• Children’s needs: While their kids are older, financial planning for education, security, and legacy still matters.

Add in international laws, tax considerations, and the complexity of celebrity branding, and you can see why this wasn’t the kind of divorce you settle with a quick spreadsheet and a handshake.

Behind the Headline: Is Wanting “More” Really the Villain?

Taken at face value, “Deborra-Lee Furness reportedly seeks more money” sounds harsh, like she’s sabotaging an otherwise peaceful split. But step back for a moment.

Imagine spending nearly 30 years building a life with someone. You relocate, adjust your career path, raise children together, and support each other through fame, press tours, and the ups and downs of public scrutiny. When that ends, you’re not just untangling financesyou’re redefining your future.

In that context, pushing for a settlement that reflects your contributions isn’t petty; it’s self-preservation. The fact that this is happening under the bright lights of worldwide media doesn’t change the basic human reality underneath: two people trying to leave a long marriage with some sense of stability, fairness, and dignity.

If anything, the story says less about Deb being “bitter” and more about how eagerly we jump on narratives where a woman is criticized for asserting her worth.

Real-World Lessons From a High-Profile Divorce

You probably don’t have Wolverine royalties, but there are still some surprisingly relatable lessons in this very unrelatable divorce.

1. Talk About Money Long Before You Need a Lawyer

One reason high-profile splits get so complicated is that financial conversations often happen latesometimes only once the relationship is already breaking down. Whether you’re newly married or 20 years in, having honest, ongoing money talks can prevent a lot of resentment later.

That doesn’t just mean “Who pays which bill?” It includes:

• How sacrifices are being made (career pauses, relocations, childcare)
• What feels fair in terms of ownership and savings
• What would happen in the event of a separation, even if you hope it never occurs

2. Prenups (and Postnups) Aren’t UnromanticThey’re Clarity

This divorce has become a textbook example used by lawyers to explain why prenuptial or postnuptial agreements matter. Without one, you’re leaving your future in the hands of state law and months or years of negotiation if things go south.

A well-drafted agreement doesn’t have to be a “gotcha” contract. It can protect both partners, acknowledge unpaid labor (like caregiving and emotional support), and reduce the likelihood that financial disputes will turn a painful split into a drawn-out battle.

3. Emotional Reality Isn’t Always in the Legal Papers

Even when a divorce is “amicable” on paper, it can be emotionally brutal. Furness’s comments about deep hurt, betrayal, and spiritual reflection underline that no amount of wealth shields you from heartbreak.

For anyone going through a separation, that’s strangely comforting. It normalizes the idea that you can both sign a fair settlement and still feel devastated, angry, or lost for a while. Healing and legal closure don’t always arrive on the same schedule.

4. Public Opinion Is Loudbut Not Binding

Another clear takeaway from this story is how quickly public opinion can turn when money is involved. Social media tends to take sides, often without nuance: “She’s cashing in” or “He’s to blame” becomes the dominant narrative.

In real life, your “public” might just be family, friends, coworkers, or a small-town rumor mill, but the effect can feel similar. The best protection is strong boundaries: share details only with people you trust, lean on professionals (therapists, lawyers, financial advisors), and remember that the loudest opinions are rarely the most informed.

500 More Words: Experiences and Takeaways From a “Bitter Turn”

When a celebrity divorce goes from “amicable” to “reportedly bitter,” it’s tempting to treat it like guilty-pleasure entertainment. But if you look closer, the Hugh Jackman–Deborra-Lee Furness split reads like a magnified version of what a lot of couples facejust with higher stakes and more cameras.

One recurring theme in real-world divorce stories is the moment someone decides, “I deserve more than what’s on the table.” That doesn’t always mean millions. Sometimes it’s insisting on a fair share of a modest home, a retirement account, or monthly support that allows a partner who paused their career to get back on their feet.

Lawyers and mediators often describe a pattern: the person who earned less (or who stepped back from paid work) feels guilty about asking for financial security, while the higher earner feels defensive or attacked. When that dynamic isn’t handled well, it can quickly turn “amicable” into “bitter,” just like the headlines suggest.

High-profile cases like Jackman and Furness’s can actually help people reframe that inner conflict. Seeing a long-time spouse push for what she sees as a fair settlement reminds othersespecially womenthat it’s okay to advocate for themselves without apologizing. You’re not “taking” money from your ex; you’re asking for your share of a life you built together.

Another familiar experience is the emotional whiplash of watching an ex move on publicly while you’re still processing the breakup. For Furness, Jackman’s new relationship has unfolded under intense media scrutiny. Many people who’ve gone through a divorce can relate to a smaller-scale version: the sting of seeing an ex’s new partner on social media, hearing about them through mutual friends, or bumping into them at familiar places.

In those moments, the narrative of “bitter divorce” can actually serve as a weird kind of armor. Anger feels stronger than vulnerability. It’s easier to say, “He’s heartless” or “She just wants money” than to admit, “This hurts more than I expected, and I’m not okay yet.” Behind the snappy headlines are very human experiences of grief, identity loss, and the slow work of rebuilding.

There’s also a lesson about timing and boundaries. Jackman and Furness didn’t rush straight from separation announcement to finalized divorce. It took timetime for finances to be untangled, for lawyers to do their thing, and for emotions to surf their chaotic wave. Many people who’ve been through divorce say that having a bit of breathing room, even when it’s uncomfortable, ultimately helped them make clearer decisions about money and the future.

The flip side is that long negotiations can drag out the pain. That’s where the line between “reasonable advocacy” and “fighting just to fight” gets blurry. The healthiest experiences usually involve three things:

• A realistic understanding of what the law allows
• Professional support from lawyers and financial experts who aren’t driven by drama
• Some internal compasstherapy, faith, close friendsthat keeps you grounded in who you want to be when the dust settles

Ultimately, the story of Deborra-Lee Furness reportedly seeking more money in her divorce from Hugh Jackman is less about villainy and more about vulnerability. It’s about a woman insisting that nearly three decades of shared life be honored in concrete, financial waysnot just in sentimental Instagram posts or nostalgic interviews.

For anyone watching from the outside, the real takeaway isn’t who got which apartment or whose lawyers were tougher. It’s this: asking for what you’re worth, especially after years of pouring yourself into a relationship, is not bitterness. It’s a form of self-respect. And if that makes the headlines a little messier along the way, so be it.

Conclusion

The headline “Deborra-Lee Furness reportedly seeks more money as divorce with Hugh Jackman takes bitter turn” sounds like pure tabloid bait. But behind that line is a complicated, deeply human story about love, power, money, and the painful work of disentangling a shared life.

We may never know every detail of what happened between Jackman and Furness, and honestly, we’re not entitled to. What we can see is a long marriage ending in a way that’s both uniquely glamorous and painfully ordinary: emotions running high, money negotiations dragging on, and two people trying to step into separate futures with some sense of fairness and dignity.

And if there’s one lesson that cuts through all the noise, it’s this: in any divorcecelebrity or notstanding up for your value doesn’t make you the villain in someone else’s story. It just makes you the main character in your own.