Final showdown set in Rebel’s fiery fight with co-star
Curtains are set to close in two weeks on the high-profile court battle between Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson and the star of her directorial debut.
The two had only mutual admiration for each other when they began working together on The Deb, a musical comedy that Wilson directed, co-produced and starred in.
But three years later, the Pitch Perfect star and Charlotte MacInnes are on opposite sides of a heated libel case filed in the Federal Court.
“Unfortunately, what started as a dream turned into a nightmare,” Wilson wrote in the affidavit.
The sentiment was echoed by MacInnes, who claimed the older actor had slandered him in a series of social media posts suggesting he was a liar and a sellout who dropped a sexual harassment complaint to advance his career.
The posts claimed that the rising star admitted to Wilson that she felt uncomfortable when the film’s co-producer Amanda Ghost wanted to shower and bathe together, and later retracted that statement.
MacInnes denied making a complaint or recanting and insisted he was not uncomfortable bathing in the couple’s swimsuits after Ms Ghost suffered a medical crisis in September 2023.
The legal battle will conclude with closing arguments from both sides on Friday.
When the trial began two weeks ago, accusations of fraud were pouring in from both sides.
“(This) is a malicious allegation against my client that he sold the sexual harassment allegation for his own professional and business interests,” said MacInnes’ barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC.
He argued that Wilson was embroiled in a bitter fight over writing credits at the time, along with an increasingly tense dispute with his co-producers over the budget.
Ms. Chrysanthou said the Hollywood actor took out libel insurance the day after learning he would not be credited as a writer on The Deb so he could “go wild on social media.”
“Ms. Wilson was not a whistleblower trying to protect a young player,” he argued.
“We’re saying he’s bringing up this non-existent claim that’s been set aside for his own commercial benefit.”
Wilson’s lawyer, Dauid Sibtain SC, rejected the motion as “unwise”.
He argued that MacInnes dishonestly changed his story in exchange for future opportunities, which have since materialized as starring roles and a six-figure record deal.
Mr Sibtain told the court: “He changed his story to ensure his career as an actor and musician was furthered by pleasing Ms Ghost.”
“Ms. MacInnes knew Ms. Ghost was the person who had the power to make her acting and musical dreams come true.”
He argued that, contrary to the allegations, the young actor’s reputation was not damaged or his career slowed down after his social media posts.
Judge Elizabeth Raper is expected to reserve her decision after closing arguments end Friday.
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