Court Dismisses Defamation Claim Brought by Co-Star Against Rebel Wilson

Following a protracted dispute spanning continents and years, Rebel Wilson has been cleared of defaming her co-star through a series of social media posts.

The Pitch Perfect actress faced a lawsuit filed by Australian actor Charlotte MacInnes, who portrayed the lead role in Wilson’s directorial debut film ‘The Deb’.

MacInnes alleged that Wilson defamed her via social media posts implying she was a liar and opportunist who retracted a sexual harassment complaint to advance her career.

The posts claimed the young actor confided in Wilson—and later recanted—about feeling uncomfortable when the film’s co-producer Amanda Ghost proposed sharing a shower and bath together.

MacInnes denied making or withdrawing any complaint, insisting she felt no discomfort when she and Ghost shared a bath in swimwear following Ghost’s medical episode in September 2023.

Two months after the conclusion of the fiercely contested federal court proceedings, Justice Elizabeth Raper ruled in favor of Wilson.

“MacInnes has failed to demonstrate that the publications caused or were likely to cause serious harm,” Justice Raper stated on Wednesday.

MacInnes’ barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, accused Wilson of presenting a “complete revision of history” riddled with dishonesty during her forceful closing argument in May.

“She is a fantastical liar who has fabricated terrible allegations against multiple people, and even her own witnesses have discredited her testimony,” Chrysanthou stated.

“We contend that Ms. Wilson cannot be trusted on any matter she has addressed.”

Wilson consistently denied allegations that she fabricated the complaint or used it as leverage during disputes with her co-producers over the film’s budget and writing credits.

“I am recognized as a truth-teller,” Wilson declared during the hearing.

That was precisely what she was doing when she shared the stories with her 11 million followers, the Bridesmaids star explained. “I do not view this as an attack; I consider it an act of telling the truth,” she informed the court.

Wilson’s barrister, David Sibtain SC, maintained that his client had “no motive to lie” about an incident that could jeopardize her film by creating division between her lead actor and a producer.

Instead, he accused MacInnes of dishonestly withdrawing the complaint against Ghost to preserve her beneficial relationship with the producer.

He noted that MacInnes had secured a lead role in a stage production and a six-figure record deal, both linked to Ghost, and argued that she sought to maintain her upward trajectory.

“MacInnes is an individual who provided false testimony under oath,” Sibtain asserted.

“She has endured no harm whatsoever, let alone any serious harm.”

The young actor pursued aggravated damages for the purported harm caused by the posts, citing anxiety and a period of unemployment.

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