Charlotte MacInnes sues Rebel Wilson for defamation in Australian court

• Charlotte MacInnes is suing Rebel Wilson for defamation in Australia's Federal Court
• Witnesses allege that Wilson’s social media posts caused severe emotional distress
• The trial is scheduled to continue for nine days in Sydney
  

The defamation trial involving Rebel Wilson and actress Charlotte MacInnes commenced this week in the Federal Court in Sydney, revealing significant behind-the-scenes tension from the set of The Deb.

MacInnes is suing the Hollywood star following a series of social media posts in September 2024, which she claims were defamatory.

On Wednesday, MacInnes began giving evidence, though her testimony was cut short as the court adjourned for the day.

The trial, overseen by Justice Elizabeth Raper, is expected to last nine days and examines allegations that Wilson made life "nightmarish" for the young performer.

The dispute stems from Wilson’s directorial debut, where she alleged that producer Amanda Ghost engaged in misconduct and that MacInnes covered up the incident to further her career.

MacInnes has vehemently denied these claims. In affidavits seen by the Australian Associated Press, friends and colleagues of MacInnes described her as being "deeply wounded" and "fearful" due to Wilson's alleged conduct.

Her partner, Carlo Boumouglbay, stated that MacInnes felt "vulnerable" and suspected she was being monitored, while co-writer Hannah Reilly described the situation as an "all-consuming nightmarish force."

Wilson’s barrister, Dauid Sibtain, argued that MacInnes’ career has remained intact, noting a recent $110,000 record deal with Atlantic Records.

Meanwhile, MacInnes’ manager, Shoshanna Stone, rejected suggestions that a new single release scheduled for Thursday was timed to coincide with the legal proceedings.

While The Deb was released in Australia earlier this month, the ongoing litigation continues to cast a shadow over the film, which currently lacks a distributor in the United States.