Social media influencer Gabrielle Judge, known as “Ms. Anti Work,” has shared the heartbreaking news of her fiancé Matthew Fugate’s passing. The content creator took to Instagram on 15 June 2025 to express her grief and reflect on the profound impact of the loss. Fugate tragically passed away at the age of 32 on 4 June.
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In her heartfelt message, Judge, 29, refrained from disclosing the specific circumstances surrounding her fiancé’s death, stating that she would not discuss details until after his funeral. Her post resonated deeply with many, as she poignantly opened up about her emotional state. “Hello everyone. I am not okay…. But that’s okay. I know, one day, I will learn to be okay again. And Matthew would want me to be okay too,” she wrote.
Judge, who boasts over 368,000 followers on Instagram, announced her engagement to Fugate in November 2025. The couple had been together for six years, and Judge described Fugate as “the love of my life, as I understood it.” In her post, she lamented the future they had planned together, adding that she greatly missed the comfort of his presence.
The influencer shared insights into how this loss has shifted her perspective on various aspects of life, such as work and priorities. “The last 11 days without Matthew have changed me in ways I don’t fully understand yet. Some lessons are already clear, and others I’m sure will reveal themselves with time,” she said. This shift has led her to rethink what truly matters in life, demonstrating her journey through grief and personal growth.
She expressed her gratitude to those who have shown support during this challenging time. “I’m still grieving and navigating a lot, but creating has always been one of the ways I process life,” Judge explained. Despite her struggles, she is committed to continuing her work, albeit in a different form for a while.
In her emotionally charged conclusion, Judge recalled the last words she had spoken to Fugate: “Thank you so much for 6 beautiful years. Everything I have today is because of you.” She expressed a desire to honour his memory, vowing to “carry his torch every day to the best of my ability.”
In addition to her social media presence, Judge has been active on Substack, where she writes articles and provides resources for individuals seeking alternative career paths outside conventional corporate jobs. Her engagement announcement had previously captured the attention of followers through a lively Instagram Reel.
Following Fugate’s untimely death, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to assist with funeral expenses and provide support for his bereaved loved ones. The fundraising page emphasised the importance of any contributions, encouraging donations towards maintaining financial stability during this difficult time. As of 15 June, the fundraiser has raised just over half of its $16,000 goal.
Those behind the campaign have also indicated that any excess funds will be allocated to a cause reflective of Fugate’s legacy, a decision that will be made collaboratively by his mother, Deborah, and Judge. This initiative not only seeks to alleviate financial pressures but also aims to keep Fugate’s memory alive through meaningful contributions.
The outpouring of support from friends, family, and followers serves as a powerful reminder of the community surrounding Judge during this incredibly painful chapter of her life. As she navigates her grief, her journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, love, and commitment to honouring her partner’s legacy.