Hugh Jackman Performs Solo at Global Citizen Concert as Sutton Foster Red-Carpet Debut Remains Unclear

Hugh Jackman fronted the Global Citizen Concert in New York on Saturday with no sign of partner Sutton Foster, as questions about their public-facing relationship continued to swirl.

The 56-year-old actor performed solo, addressing the crowd in a grey graphic shirt, black skinny jeans, sneakers and black-framed reading glasses. He beamed and animatedly waved to the audience as he spoke into the microphone.

The Global Citizen Concert is a 24-hour event that began on Sept. 25 and is designed to unite the world to defend the planet and defeat poverty, according to the organization’s official material. Jackman’s solo appearance comes as tabloid reports have pointed to ongoing efforts to keep his romance with Sutton Foster out of the public eye amid intense scrutiny.

Prior to this weekend, the couple had posed on red carpets separately but had not walked one together since their romance became public this year. An insider told New Idea that Foster remains nervous about taking the big step into Jackman’s world, and that the pair have largely steered clear of high-profile premieres and awards shows so far.

The same report suggests the duo has dodged invitations to major U.S. events, including the Oscars, the Met Gala and the Tony Awards, as they navigate the pressures of dating in the public eye. While the exact status of their relationship remains a matter of rumor, the outlets cited unnamed sources who described a sense that the couple is trying to calibrate when and how to appear together.

If there is a public return to the red carpet on the horizon, one potential moment fans are watching for is the premiere of Jackman’s new film Song Sung Blue at the AFI Fest in Hollywood on Oct. 26, where Foster’s presence could be a calculated, high-profile moment for the couple.

The public scrutiny around the romance has been accompanied by appearances that appear more low-key than a traditional star couple phase. Days before the Global Citizen event, Jackman and Foster were seen arriving together at LaGuardia Airport in New York, seemingly enjoying a lighthearted exchange amid the routine of luggage and security checks.

Jackman began dating Foster in late 2024 after his split with his wife Deborra-Lee Furness in September 2023. Interest in the couple’s status has surged as insiders discuss how the relationship has weathered the spotlight since the romance emerged.

Life and Style magazine has cited insiders who describe dating under the glare of public attention as challenging, with one source noting that the couple faces societal scrutiny and online judgment. The magazine’s reporting underscores the pressures actors face when balancing personal life with professional obligations.

Representative spokespeople for Jackman and Foster have not publicly commented on the ongoing rumors or on any potential future red-carpet collaboration. In the meantime, Jackman continues to perform publicly, while Foster’s appearances remain comparatively selective as both pursue their respective projects. }