Rebel Wilson wins defamation fight over The Deb Instagram posts
An Australian judge dismissed Charlotte MacInnes’ claim that Wilson damaged her reputation with posts about a producer on The Deb.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Rebel Wilson has defeated a defamation claim brought by Charlotte MacInnes, the actress who led Wilson’s directorial debut, The Deb, after an Australian judge dismissed the case on Wednesday, according to CNN.
MacInnes had accused Wilson of harming her reputation through Instagram posts that, MacInnes said, implied she had been sexually harassed by Amanda Ghost, a producer on The Deb. Wilson had previously sued Ghost for breach of contract and fraud, according to the report.
After the ruling, Wilson posted a brief response on Instagram, thanking supporters and the court. “I’m grateful this chapter has reached its conclusion and I’m looking forward to getting back to what I love most, my family and my work,” Wilson wrote. She also thanked the judge and said she respected the Australian legal system.
The bathroom incident at the center of the case
The dispute turned on what happened on Sept. 5, 2023, in Ghost’s bathroom at Bondi Beach after Ghost and MacInnes had gone for a nighttime swim, according to reporting cited in the case.
In a July 2024 Instagram video, Wilson alleged that Ghost engaged in “inappropriate behavior” toward MacInnes that night. Wilson also accused Ghost of taking money from the film’s budget and trying to block The Deb in retaliation after Wilson reported the alleged conduct.
In court filings, Wilson claimed Ghost made MacInnes live with her during the film’s production and later pressured her to bathe together while both were wearing swimsuits. Wilson said MacInnes told her the situation made her uncomfortable.
Wilson also suggested in another social media post that MacInnes had walked back her complaint to help her music career. Ghost works with Warner Music Group, the parent company of Atlantic, on music and film projects. MacInnes released her debut album, Highwater, in June, and Ghost is credited as a collaborator on the album.
MacInnes disputed Wilson’s version
MacInnes denied Wilson’s account. According to The Guardian, MacInnes testified in federal court in Sydney in April that the bathroom episode was a nonsexual response to a medical incident.
MacInnes also denied telling Wilson that the encounter had made her uncomfortable, The Guardian reported.
The case put Wilson’s social media posts under a legal spotlight, with MacInnes arguing they damaged her standing. The judge’s dismissal means Wilson was not held liable for defaming MacInnes in the dispute.
Rolling Stone reported that representatives for Wilson and MacInnes did not immediately respond to requests for comment after the ruling.
This story draws on original reporting from Rolling Stone.