Rebel Wilson has been accused in court of being a 'fantastical liar' who made up 'terrible allegations' about colleagues and engaged in a 'complete revision of history'. The accusation came during closing arguments in a defamation case brought by Charlotte MacInnes, the lead actor in Wilson's directorial debut The Deb.
MacInnes is suing Wilson over social media posts that suggested she was a liar and a sellout for allegedly walking back a sexual misconduct complaint against co-producer Amanda Ghost. The posts claimed MacInnes confided to Wilson that she felt uncomfortable when Ghost asked to share a bath, but later recanted. MacInnes denies making or retracting any complaint.
MacInnes' barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, told the Federal Court that Wilson's evidence was riddled with inconsistencies and had been contradicted by her own witnesses. 'She is a fantastical liar who has made up terrible, terrible allegations about multiple people,' Chrysanthou said, adding that Wilson cannot be believed on anything she has said.
Chrysanthou argued that Wilson lied to Ghost about receiving a complaint to create division between Ghost and MacInnes, whom Wilson sought to paint as a troublemaker. The barrister noted that the uncontested facts of the bathroom incident—a medical episode, no discomfort, and a witness who saw nothing untoward—undermined Wilson's claims.
MacInnes has suffered devastating harm, according to her barrister, and has been unable to eat or sleep, fearing what Wilson might do next. However, Wilson testified that MacInnes has not sustained any damage to her reputation or career, pointing to a lead role and a six-figure record deal she secured. Wilson also noted photos of MacInnes on luxury international trips, suggesting she had benefited from the attention.
Wilson's barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, is set to deliver his closing remarks later on Friday.
