Hugh Jackman is still ‘mourning’ and ‘processing’ his split from wife Deborra-Lee Furness – and has no plans to get back into the dating game, despite rumors to the contrary, insiders have said.
The Wolverine star, 54, and actress, 67, announced they were ending their marriage after 27 years in a joint statement last month, revealing they have ‘decided to separate to pursue our individual growth’.
And while it had been reported that new bachelor Hugh was already putting himself back out there, an insider has exclusively claimed to DailyMail.com that he is not rushing into finding love again and has no intentions of being a ‘playboy’.
Instead, Hugh is taking time to reflect on his marriage to Deborra-Lee before exploring the ‘exciting and scary’ options that single life has to offer him, with a separate source shutting down claims that he has been turning to Australian popstar Betty Who for support.
Hugh Jackman, 54, split from his wife Deborra-Lee Furness, 67, after 27 years of marriage
The Wolverine star has no intentions of being a ‘playboy’ amid his return to singledom
‘Hugh and Deborra have tremendous respect for each other and want to see each other do well in life, whether that is in their careers, love life, and everything else that hits their plate,’ an insider said.
‘Hugh is not against dating or against being put together with someone that friends might think is right for him, but he is also still processing life without the woman he has been with for decades.
‘He is in that lull period where he is still mourning the break-up, looking to dive into work to get his mind removed from it, flattered that a new love life could happen in the future and also, he loves the fact that he could do absolutely nothing at all.’
They continued: ‘The options he has are exciting and scary, he wants to respect Deborra’s feelings and his feelings, and he also wants to respect the feelings of someone he would get involved with.
‘Sure, he is interested in dating, but he also wants to give it his 100 per cent attention and not half-ass it if and when that comes about.
‘He wants to approach that part of life with the best of intentions, he’s not looking to be a playboy.’
Hugh and Deborra-Lee, who share children Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, confirmed their split in a statement shared to PEOPLE.
‘We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,’ they said.
‘Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.
The actor and his ex Deborra-Lee announced their break-up in a statement last month, revealing they have ‘decided to separate to pursue our individual growth’
Hugh is said to be taking time to reflect on his marriage to Deborra-Lee, pictured together in 2017, before respectfully throwing himself back into the dating game
‘Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.’
The former couple signed the statement as ‘Deb and Hugh Jackman,’ adding: ‘This is the sole statement either of us will make.’
Since going their separate ways, it had been reported that Hugh had turned to ‘really good friend’ Betty Who.
But a separate source told DailyMail.com that the pair do not know each other.
‘They met after watching Hadestown on Broadway,’ they said. ‘He took a bunch of photos with the cast and she asked for one.’
Betty, who is married to photographer Zac Cassar and plays Persephone in the production, shared a picture with Hugh on Instagram, writing: ‘MY COUNTRYMAN!!!! [Australian flag emoji]. Thank you for coming to see us in Hadestown and being so kind!!!!!’
In another photo, Hugh was seen posing cheerily alongside Betty and her castmates Phillip Boykin and Reeve Carney.
Hugh was said to have struck up a friendship with pop star Betty Who, 31, (right) following his split – but a source rubbished the claim
Hugh went to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium with Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Taylor Swift weeks after his break-up
It had previously been reported that Hugh is searching for his Mrs Right because finding love again ‘is one of his biggest priorities’.
‘Everyone expects Hugh will remarry fairly quickly,’ an insider told New Idea magazine. ‘He’s such a soft-hearted person and is likely to fall for the first girl who catches his eye.’
‘There’s a freeway of ladies lined up around the block to date him,’ another source added to the publication.
The star was pictured mingling with the likes of Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and his friend, and Deadpool costar, Ryan Reynolds at the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the New York Jets last month.
