Rebel Wilson has won a defamation case brought against her by actor Charlotte MacInnes, with Justice Elizabeth Raper ruling in the Federal Court that MacInnes failed to establish that Wilson's social media posts caused or were likely to cause serious harm.
Background of the Dispute
MacInnes, who played the lead role in Wilson's directorial debut film The Deb, sued Wilson over posts that MacInnes claimed implied she was a liar and a sellout who withdrew a sexual harassment complaint to advance her career. The posts alleged MacInnes had confided in Wilson that she felt uncomfortable when co-producer Amanda Ghost asked to shower and bathe together, but later recanted. MacInnes denied making or retracting such a complaint, stating she was not uncomfortable when the pair shared a bath in swimwear after Ghost suffered a medical episode in September 2023.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, MacInnes' barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC accused Wilson of a "complete revision of history" and called her a "fantastical liar." Wilson denied fabricating the complaint or using it for leverage in disputes over the film's budget and writing credit, stating, "I am known as a truth-teller." Wilson's barrister Dauid Sibtain SC argued his client had "no motive to lie" and accused MacInnes of dishonestly withdrawing the complaint to maintain a fruitful relationship with Ghost, noting MacInnes had received a lead role in a stage production and a six-figure record deal linked to Ghost.
Verdict and Aftermath
Justice Raper found in favor of Wilson on Wednesday, stating MacInnes had not proven serious harm. MacInnes had sought aggravated damages for anxiety and a period without work. After the verdict, Wilson thanked the judge and the Australian legal system, saying the process had tested her but reinforced her belief in "standing up for what I believe is right, while continuing to create work that brings people joy." In a social media post, Wilson called directing The Deb her "dream job" and expressed gratitude for the support she received.
