Rebel Wilson set to star in real-life courtroom drama
Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson will swap glitz and glamor for a more low-key setting when she takes center stage in this real-life drama that overshadows her directorial debut.
The Pitch Perfect star directed, co-produced and stars in The Deb, a musical comedy set in rural NSW.
Co-star Charlotte MacInnes is suing Wilson over social media posts alleging she told him she was upset with co-creator Amanda Ghost.
Both former co-stars are set to give evidence in the heated nine-day trial in the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday.
MacInnes denied complaining to Wilson and said he was seriously hurt by the older actor’s overtures, retracting the alleged comments in exchange for the starring role and a record deal.
MacInnes claims the social media posts damaged his professional reputation and raised questions about his credibility before he could even reap the benefits of his first leading role in a movie.
The posts accused her alleged lies of hindering the film’s release and portrayed her as someone who selfishly prioritized her own career over the hundreds of cast and crew who worked on The Deb, according to the statement of claim.
The aspiring actor is seeking aggravated damages for serious damages, as well as a court order preventing Wilson from repeating the allegedly defamatory claims online.
In his defense, Wilson admits he uploaded a series of posts that were available to his 11 million followers 24 hours a day, but denies two of the posts were about MacInnes.
The Bridesmaids actress claims the young actor complained to her about feeling uncomfortable around Miss Ghost, which MacInnes claimed was lying when he denied it.
Wilson claims MacInnes lied about having a positive relationship with co-producers Ms Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden, and that he reaped significant career benefits from the relationship.
He will take the stand with his pregnant wife in the second week of the Federal Court hearing.
The internationally renowned star is also facing a separate legal battle in the NSW Supreme Court brought by Ms Ghost, Mr Cameron and Mr Holden, alleging breach of contract and damaging statements.
Deb premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 but has been prevented from wider distribution due to ongoing legal disputes.
The film was released in Australia on 9 April, and while some local reviews praised it as “cheerful” and “gross, funny but most importantly touching”, another said “too many moments fall flat”.
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