Rebel Wilson wins defamation case over co-star's claims

Australian actor and Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has prevailed in a defamation lawsuit filed by her co-star Charlotte MacInnes, with a federal court judge ruling that Wilson's social media posts did not cause serious harm. The verdict, delivered Wednesday in Sydney, ends a bitter dispute that erupted during the making of Wilson's directorial debut, The Deb.

The dispute over social media posts

MacInnes, who played the lead in the Australian music comedy, sued Wilson over a series of posts that allegedly implied she was a liar who retracted a sexual harassment complaint to advance her career. The posts referenced an incident where film co-producer Amanda Ghost asked MacInnes to share a bath—which MacInnes said did not make her uncomfortable and that she never complained. Wilson countered that she was merely telling the truth about a situation MacInnes had confided in her.

The court's finding

Justice Elizabeth Raper ruled that MacInnes failed to prove the posts caused or were likely to cause serious harm to her reputation. “MacInnes has failed to establish that the publications have caused or were likely to cause serious harm,” Raper said. The judge's decision followed a heated trial where both sides exchanged accusations of dishonesty.

Conflicting accounts and credibility

During the proceedings, MacInnes's barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, labeled Wilson a “fantastical liar” who fabricated the complaint for leverage in budget and writing credit disputes. Wilson denied this, asserting her reputation as a “truth-teller.” Her own barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, argued that MacInnes had falsely withdrawn her complaint to maintain a fruitful relationship with Ghost, which had secured her a lead stage role and a six-figure record deal. “MacInnes is someone who gave false evidence under oath,” Sibtain said.

Aftermath and Wilson's statement

MacInnes had sought aggravated damages for anxiety and lost work, but the court dismissed the claim. Following the verdict, Wilson expressed gratitude to the legal system and reiterated her commitment to standing up for what she believes. She described directing The Deb as her “dream job” and said the process, though difficult, reinforced her belief in creating work that brings joy. The case highlights the challenges of navigating personal disputes in the public eye and the legal thresholds for defamation in Australia.