Most often it is those on stage who fear the written word, but this time the barrels of ink and reams of paper have gotten Ben Brantley in trouble. Noted New York Times theater critic was busy lauding praise upon Hugh Jackman and used a term that sent the collective Internet into a tizzy. He referred to the actor as bisexual.

Now, Brantley puts the word in context, making it clear he does not intend to insinuate that the popular actor and heartthrob is gay. Brantley is saying that Jackman is unapologetic about his love of musicals while loving playing Wolverine, a character who would rather regrow an arm than sit through The Boy from Oz. Brantley is not the first to discuss sexuality with regards to the actor. Hugh Jackman’s wife has repeatedly shot down rumors that he is indeed homosexual.

Brantley’s assertion is not meant to challenge this. However, one look down the comment board and hateful comments spew forth, from multiple sides. One lady accused Brantley of being unable to accept that he has no chance with her. Another person, whose name was simply displayed as J, “can’t think of anything more insidiously terrible than Hugh Jackman, or any red meat eating male for that matter, prancing about shirtless in a silly musical”.

Really, the most intriguing aspect of the article is not the use of any language or loaded terms, but that Jackman is unable to carry himself on stage with the same intrigue as Judy Garland. I never witnessed this spectacle on stage, but his description definitely piques my interest. Garland allegedly adored and resented her audience. Jackman, unequivocally, loves his legions of fans however they come – male, female, gay, or straight. He is the LBGT’s choice for a superhero, a performer comfortable in his own skill and able to play roles ranging from a Broadway legend to a man teeming with testosterone.

If only the Internet could focus on Jackman’s range as an actor and let the messenger live. Currently Hugh Jackman tickets are on sale to see this limited engagement at the Broadhurst Theater, one of the few Broadway venues to embrace the American “er” instead of the British “re”.