Rebel Wilson was slammed as a “bully” in her defamation court battle with “The Deb” actress Charlotte MacInnes.
On Monday, the “Pitch Perfect” actress arrived at a Sydney courthouse to face MacIness, who had accused Wilson of damaging her character when alleging she was sexually harassed by “The Deb” producer, Amanda Ghost, and then accusing them of colluding together to cover up the incident.
Back in 2023, Ghost and MacInness took a bath together in a Sydney apartment after swimming on Bondi Beach.
Per MacInnes’s lawyer, Sue Chrysanthou, Ghost suffered from cold urticaria — a rare condition that causes an allergic reaction to cold temperatures, per the Cleveland Clinic — after the swim.
Rebel Wilson (seen above arrives at court in Sydney) was labeled a “bully” as she defends herself in a defamation lawsuit. REUTERS
The “Deb” lead actress Charlotte MacInnes (seen leaving court) alleged in the suit that Wilson damaged her reputation by claiming she was sexually harassed by the film’s producer Amanda Ghost. AAPIMAGE via Reuters Connect
Ghost — who was clothed — was allegedly shaking uncontrollably and broke out in hives when MacInnes — who was also wearing her bathing suit — helped her back to the apartment and bathed with her to help warm her up.
Wilson later claimed MacInnes had told her she was uncomfortable during the bathing incident. She also alleged MacInnes withdrew her complaint after Ghost offered her career opportunities — a claim MacInnes denied.
Per MacInnes, Wilson allegedly made the defamatory posts on Instagram, including one in September 2024, in which the “Bride Hard” actress claimed MacInnes changed her story after receiving a record deal and being cast by Ghost in a stage show.
Chrysanthou told the court Monday that Wilson was a “bully” for “slagging” the “North Shore” alum on Instagram.
In 2023, MacInnes bathed with Ghost when the latter was suffering from cold urticaria following a swim at Bondi Beach. REUTERS
Wilson (seen arriving at court) claimed MacInnes told her she was uncomfortable during the bathing incident. REUTERS
“Ms Wilson was not a whistleblower who was seeking to protect a young actress,” Chrysanthou told the court.
Chrysanthou also argued that Wilson, 46, voiced worries about MacInnes “as leverage” during a dispute with producers about “budgets and contracts” on the 2024 musical comedy.
However, Wilson’s attorney, Dauid Sibtain, said, “The central issue for determination in this case … is this: whether Ms MacInnes reported to Ms Wilson that she’d been asked by Ms Ghost to shower and bathe with her and whether she said it made it feel uncomfortable and whether she later changed her story.”
Sibtain also alleged that MacInnes was flooded with “wealth of prizes and opportunities” following the bathing incident because she “decided to tie herself to Ms Ghost.”
The “Bridesmaid” star also claimed MacInnes (seen leaving court above) withdrew her complaint after Ghost allegedly offered her career opportunities. AAPIMAGE via Reuters Connect
MacInnes claimed Wilson made defamatory posts on Instagram (as seen above). Instagram/@rebelwilson
The comedian (seen above at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in 2025) is also facing a defamation lawsuit from Ghost and “Deb” producers Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden. Getty Images
Wilson’s trial is expected to last nine days and is being streamed on YouTube.
The comedian is also facing a defamation lawsuit from Ghost and “Deb” producers, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden.
In 2024, the producers claimed Wilson fabricated stories about them regarding harassment and embezzlement. Last week, a Los Angeles judge denied Wilson’s anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss.