Hugh Jackman, often praised as one of the most gentlemanly men in Hollywood, has no plans to "dump" his friends Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner just because their dad and father-in-law is suddenly president and is not so popular in Hollywood. The actor, who is currently promoting his new film "The Front Runner," where he plays Gary Hart, a Democrat whose campaign for president in 1988 was derailed by an extramarital affair scandal, told the ladies of "The View" why the friendship is a non-issue for him.
Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee have known Ivanka and Jared for 15 years, he said. It's no "controversy" to them.“They’ve always been so kind and generous and I can tell you handwritten letters that Ivanka’s written to my mother-in-law when she won the order of Australia that I didn’t know about, and kindness,” he explained.
“People question like, ‘really?’ and I say, ‘okay, let’s say your friends of 15 years’ father suddenly became president, whether you agree with the politics or not, do you just dump your friends?’ And I’m like no. I don’t understand that.”
"The View" ladies appreciated his response, with Joy Behar even saying, “That’s good.”
Still, media have published headlines like, "Hugh Jackman can't escape Ivanka Trump" and "Hugh Jackman Just Can't Quit Ivanka and Jared."
Some even predict his relationship with Ivanka and Jared will affect ticket sales for "The Front Runner."
“It is hard to say if Hugh’s relationship with Ivanka and Jared or the less than stellar reviews have hurt the film,” said Danny Deraney, the owner of Deraney Public Relations who represents a number of high-profile Hollywood clients. He noted that positioning a release date for a film is crucial.
“Jackman has had a pretty much pristine reputation and is almost always well received,” Deraney said in an email to this news organization. “Despite that, the company you keep, no matter who you are or how great reputation is, can be perceived as a negative by the public or for that matter, adoring fans.
This goes without saying, but Wolverine can be friends with whoever he darn well pleases.