Hugh Jackman has shared his grief over the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, describing the tragedy as deeply personal given his longstanding ties to the Sydney suburb.
The 57-year-old Australian actor, who maintains a penthouse residence in the coastal community, expressed profound sadness over the shooting that claimed 15 lives and left more than 40 wounded during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday.
The Wolverine star revealed the news had left him shattered. "It's just devastating, it's my home, so it hits close," Mr Jackman said.
24 victims remain hospitalised following the attack at the Chanukah by the Sea event.
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15 people were killed in the Bondi Beach attack | REUTERSMr Jackman acquired his luxury low-rise apartment in Bondi for $5.9 million (£4.5m) back in 2015, establishing a permanent base in the beachside neighbourhood he calls home.
The three-bedroom property boasts sweeping ocean views and sits near the famous Bondi Icebergs Club.
The Greatest Showman star divides his time between his Australian residence and the United States, where he is primarily based in New York.
He reportedly kept the Bondi apartment following his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness, which was finalised earlier this year.
The Hollywood star owns a home near the famous Bondi Icebergs Club
|When visiting Australia, Mr Jackman is frequently spotted swimming and jogging along the iconic stretch of sand, as well as frequenting local cafés and restaurants in the area.
The actor emphasised his deep emotional connection to those affected by the violence, stressing that the community struck by tragedy is one he considers his own.
Speaking to Fox 5 DC, the actor said: "I just feel for particularly for those families, those closely affected and the community because it's my community."
Mr Jackman also reflected on the relentless nature of such attacks globally, noting how he had gone to sleep reading about an incident at Brown University only to wake to news of the Bondi massacre.
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The Wolverine actor shared his grief for the Bondi community in an interview
|Fox 5 DC
"I went to bed reading about Brown University and woke up reading about Bondi, I just feel heartbroken," he told the American broadcaster.
During the deadly attack, a father and son duo, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his 50-year-old father Sajid Akram, positioned themselves on a pedestrian footbridge before firing military-grade weapons into the crowd below.
Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, including one Holocaust survivor and a child named Matilda.
Sajid Akram, who held a firearms licence, was killed by police at the scene.
Two gunmen opened fire at Bondi beach during Jewish celebrations | XHis son Naveed was shot by officers and remains in hospital under police guard in a coma, though he is expected to survive.
The massacre has been described as one of the darkest days in Australian history.
Mr Jackman's affection for Bondi extends back years, with the actor previously describing the joy of swimming at the beach on Christmas morning as incomparable.
In 2017, he brought his friend and fellow actor Zac Efron to experience the area, proudly directing him to local hotspots, including the renowned Icebergs restaurant.
Hugh Jackman allegedly acquired his Bondi residence after his divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness
| GETTY"I'm so proud. This is my hometown, so I love showing it off to anybody, but particularly my friends," Jackman told TheFIX at the time.
The year prior, the actor earned praise for his actions during a dangerous rip current incident at the beach, helping to pull his daughter Ava from the water while lifeguards assisted his son Oscar.
The North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club publicly thanked Mr Jackman for assisting with multiple rescues during the emergency.