Hugh Jackman has been hailed as a "class act" for the way he handled a paparazzo asking questions about his split from wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
Earlier this week, the couple released a statement announcing their amicable separation after 27 years of marriage.
Sharing a joint statement exclusively to PEOPLE, the couple expressed: "We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."
"Our family has been and always will be our highest priority," the statement continued. "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 message concluded, indicating the couple's resolve to maintain their privacy: "This is the sole statement either of us will make."
However, despite those closing words, the actor's high-profile status means he isn't safe from the paparazzi when wandering the streets.
A recent video shared by TMZ shows the moment the X-Men star was approached by a photographer asking questions about his split from Deborra-Lee.
After being spotted walking the streets of New York City, the paparazzo asks Jackman about what kind of "individual growth" he and Deborra-Lee would be seeking following their split. To which, the Greatest Showman star calmly replies: "It doesn't feel quite right talking about it on the street but I appreciate your thoughts, man."
Without breaking his stride, Jackman then adds: "It’s a difficult time…"
"I understand, I understand," the photographer replies, before asking another question about Jackman's return as Wolverine in the upcoming Deadpool 3 movie.
After the video was shared online, fans of the actor rushed to his defense on X (formerly known as Twitter), with one person writing: "Class act. Some keep looking for a scandal but after 27 it's more likely they grew apart. People change and not always in the same direction."
Others addressed the fact that Jackman was being approached to begin with, leaving messages of "Leave Hugh alone" under TMZ's tweet. "He literally just split with his wife of 27 years..let the man have his privacy for crying out loud," another X user added.
Jackman and Furness - who are parents to Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18 - had become a mainstay celebrity couple, and had long been an example of how Hollywood love stories can endure.
Their romance ignited quickly after meeting on the set of the Australian TV series Corelli back in 1995. Hugh Jackman, then a budding actor fresh from drama school, and Deborra-lee, an already established actress, wasted no time and tied the knot within a year.
We wish them all the best for their futures.
