Charlotte MacInnes Denies False Statements in Defamation Case Against Rebel Wilson
The star of Rebel Wilson's directorial debut, Charlotte MacInnes, has firmly denied providing false statements regarding a bath incident with a producer, which lies at the heart of a high-profile defamation battle. MacInnes, who appeared outside the federal court of Australia in Sydney on Thursday, is suing Wilson over social media posts that she claims suggested she dishonestly retracted a complaint in exchange for career opportunities.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Legal Dispute
MacInnes felt her big break had arrived when she was cast in the musical comedy The Deb, set in rural New South Wales and directed and co-produced by Wilson. However, the relationship soured after Wilson made social media posts alleging that MacInnes had complained about feeling uncomfortable after bathing with co-producer Amanda Ghost in their swimming costumes. According to MacInnes, these posts implied she retracted the complaint to secure a lead stage role and a record deal, accusations she vehemently denies.
In court, MacInnes stated, "I never made a complaint to Ms Wilson." She described an incident on 5 September 2023, when Ghost suffered a medical episode on Bondi beach. MacInnes assisted Ghost back to an apartment they shared, and in a statement, she explained that she ran a shower for the producer before suggesting a bath to warm her up more efficiently. "An innocent incident occurred that Ms Wilson has exploited and mischaracterised ever since," MacInnes asserted.
Courtroom Testimony and Cross-Examination
Wilson's barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, pointed out that MacInnes initially omitted mentioning she shared the bath with Ghost, a detail she later acknowledged. However, MacInnes rejected suggestions that her statement was "false or at least highly misleading" due to this omission. She maintained that she never told Wilson the producer asked her to shower and bathe together or that it made her uncomfortable, as alleged in the social media posts. "I never said those words," she told the court.
MacInnes expressed deep distress over Ghost ceasing communication after Wilson relayed the alleged complaint, fearing it would harm her career. She acknowledged Ghost's significant support, including feedback and networking opportunities, which helped her perform on super yachts and fly in private jets, making her feel her dreams were coming true.
Background and Relationship Breakdown
Texts disclosed in court revealed that in May 2023, four months before the alleged bath incident, MacInnes prioritized meeting with Ghost over attending a theatre production with Wilson and other cast members from The Deb. She failed to respond to Wilson's invitation and later apologized, with Wilson replying, "In the future, it is terribly rude to say you wanted a ticket to a show and then you don't reply or follow up ... not a great start to our working relationship." MacInnes offered further apologies and praised Wilson as "nothing short of wonderful," but these were the first cracks in a relationship that completely collapsed when Wilson took to social media.
The Deb was released in Australia earlier in April after legal issues delayed its widespread release following its 2024 film festival premiere. The trial continues, with MacInnes steadfast in her denial of the allegations against her.
