Hugh Jackman and wife of 27 years Deborra-Lee hit back at rumours that still plague their relationship

Hugh Jackson and Deborra-Lee Furness have spoken out against rumours which have plagued their relationship.

In 2011, Furness became aware of the rumours swirling around their relationship as a result of questions raised by fans about Jackman's sexuality.

However, she noted neither her nor Jackman paid 'much heed' to the whispers and simply viewed it as 'kind of tragic that these people have nothing better to do than gossip about people they don't know'.

Alas, the rumours continued and Jackman admitted in February 2013 that they would sometimes 'bug' Furness.

He told The Hollywood Reporter in 2013: "She goes: 'It's big. It's everywhere!'"

He simply stated: "If I was [gay], I would be."

While noting the rumours didn't faze him so much, because someone's sexuality is simply 'not the most interesting about a person anyway' to him, the Wolverine actor noted he does get 'frustrated' on Furness' behalf.

In response to people speculating Jackman is gay and his and Furness' marriage is just a front, she said: "It is just wrong, it’s like, it’s a lie. It’s just offensive.

"If he was gay, fine, he would say he’s gay. It has gotten so out of whack… It’s stupid, yeah, it’s annoying, because it’s not true."

Ultimately, Furness sees any speculation as 'mean-spirited' and hopes anyone who sees the rumours realises 'it's all made up'.

The rumours were particularly spurred on after Jackman played the role of iconic gay singer Peter Allen in musical The Boy From Oz - with people clearly unable, or simply not wanting to, distinguish the difference between theatre and reality.

Thankfully, Furness can still see the funny side and with 27 years of marriage in the bag, the pair are clearly solid.

In 2020, she joked: "[Hugh’s] been gay for so many years. I was gay, too, when I did [my 1988 film] Shame. They were shocked when I got married."

And last year, she made light of the rumours again on the Not an Overnight Success podcast, saying: "Hugh’s been gay for whatever, I mean, hello guys — if he was gay, he could be gay!”

Adding: “He [wouldn’t] have to hide in the closet anymore, and he’d be dating Brad Pitt, or whatever. Not that Brad’s gay, but you know what I’m saying!”