Rebel Wilson faces defamation trial over ‘The Deb’ Instagram allegations
Wilson has denied wrongdoing as the nine-day hearing gets underway in Sydney
Australian actor Rebel Wilson appeared in a Sydney court on Monday as a high-profile defamation case began over social media posts linked to her directorial debut The Deb.
The case has been brought by actor Charlotte MacInnes, who starred in the film, and centers on allegations arising from posts Wilson made on Instagram in July 2024.
The posts, published to Wilson’s account of more than 11 million followers, are alleged to have suggested that MacInnes privately disclosed being sexually harassed by one of the film’s producers.
According to court filings, MacInnes claims she never made such a complaint and that Wilson published the allegations without seeking verification.
The filings further allege the posts implied that MacInnes had been dishonest in denying any discussion of harassment or inappropriate conduct on set.
MacInnes, who was present in court for the hearing, is seeking aggravated damages as well as a court order preventing Wilson from repeating the claims publicly in the future.
Wilson, best known for films including Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, has denied the allegations. However, details of her formal legal defence have not been publicly disclosed.
The disputed posts also reportedly included claims that executive producer Vince Holden, along with producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron, attempted to block The Deb’s premiere in retaliation for Wilson raising concerns about alleged misconduct.
Those claims are also part of ongoing legal scrutiny, according to Australian media reports.
Separately, producers of The Deb have also filed lawsuits against Wilson in both the United States and New South Wales, further complicating the film’s legal backdrop.
Despite the controversy, The Deb premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024.
However, its Australian theatrical release has faced delays due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Speaking briefly outside the courthouse, Wilson maintained a positive tone about the project, saying, “I love The Deb, I mean, it’s so cute and amazing. Thank you to everyone who’s going to the cinemas.”