News
Rebel Wilson’s praise for film before fiery defamation fight
She is being sued by lead actress Charlotte MacInnes over social media posts claiming she confided in Wilson about her discomfort with co-producer Amanda Ghost.
MacInnes has denied making the complaint to Wilson, saying she has been seriously aggrieved by the older actor’s suggestions that she retract the alleged comments in exchange for a starring role and a recording contract.
“Thank you to everyone who goes to the cinemas.”
MacInnes claims Wilson’s social media posts damaged her professional reputation and raised doubts about her trustworthiness before she could even enjoy the benefits of playing her first leading role in a film.
The messages blamed her alleged lies for blocking the film’s release and portrayed her as selfishly prioritizing her own career over the hundreds of cast and crew who toiled for The Deb, according to her statement of claim.
The rising actor is seeking aggravated damages for the serious harm caused, as well as an injunction preventing Wilson from repeating the allegedly defamatory claims online.
Wilson accepts in her defense that she uploaded a series of messages that were available to her 11 million followers for 24 hours, but denies that two of the messages were about MacInnes.
The Bridesmaid actor claims the younger performer complained to her about feeling uncomfortable around Ms. Ghost and claims MacInnes was untruthful when she denied it.
MacInnes lied because she had a positive relationship with co-producers Ms Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden, from which she received significant career benefits, Wilson claims.
She will take the stand in the second week of the Federal Court hearing, along with her pregnant wife.
The internationally acclaimed star is also facing a separate legal battle in the NSW Supreme Court brought by Ms Ghost, Mr Cameron and Mr Holden over alleged breach of contract and damaging statements.
The Deb premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, but was blocked from wider distribution due to the ongoing legal disputes.
The film was released in Australia on April 9, and some local reviews praised it as “cheerful” and “filthy, fun, but most of all moving”, while another said “many moments fall flat”.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Be the first to receive your latest news and exclusive stories by following us on all platforms.
