NEW YORK, NY – Following public discourse surrounding his recent serenade for media titan Rupert Murdoch’s 95th birthday, actor Hugh Jackman issued a statement today clarifying the precise nature of his professional boundaries. Jackman, who performed hits from 'The Greatest Showman' and classic standards for the nonagenarian mogul, assured fans that his artistic integrity remains intact, albeit occasionally rented out for high-profile private events.
“My soul is, and always has been, my own,” Jackman’s publicist, Brenda Carmichael, stated emphatically. “Mr. Jackman simply provided a service, much like a caterer or a particularly well-compensated balloon animal artist. The performance was a testament to his versatility, not a tacit endorsement of any specific geopolitical agenda or the dismantling of local news.”
Industry insiders, speaking anonymously, suggested that the performance fee for such an event could easily cover the production costs of a small independent film, or perhaps fund a year of investigative journalism. “It’s just business,” explained one talent agent. “You sing a few tunes, collect a check, and then go home and hug your kids extra tight. It’s the circle of life, but with more yacht rock.”
Jackman is reportedly considering adding a 'Soul-Lease Agreement' clause to all future performance contracts, specifying that all proceeds are strictly for personal enrichment and not to be interpreted as moral alignment.
