Rebel says producer was ‘obsessed’ with rising star
Hollywood star Rebel Wilson claims a producer became obsessed with a rising star who allegedly accused him of sexual harassment, as a blockbuster libel case draws to a close.
The Pitch Perfect star was sued by Charlotte MacInnes, who stars in the musical comedy The Deb, which Wilson directed, co-produced and starred in.
MacInnes claims he was slandered by the older actor in social media posts that suggested he was a liar and a sellout who withdrew a sexual harassment complaint to advance his career.
In the posts, MacInnes allegedly told Wilson that he felt uncomfortable when the film’s co-producer, Amanda Ghost, wanted to take a shower and bath together, and later retracted that statement.
MacInnes denies making a complaint or recanting, and claims he was not disturbed while bathing in the couple’s swimsuits after Ms Ghost suffered a medical crisis in September 2023.
But Wilson stood by her version of events, claiming in her own statement that Ms Ghost became angry when the complaint was made and called MacInnes a “lying fool who can’t sing”.
The first-time director went further in his testimony in the witness box last week, telling the Federal Court that the producer had become so angry that “spit came out of his mouth”.
At Ms. Ghost’s prompting, Wilson sought an explanation from the young actor, who said he found the situation strange but did not personally feel uncomfortable.
The Bridesmaids actress informed the producer that “everything was fine with Charlotte” and that she had “zero problems,” according to texts filed in court.
But Wilson says in his statement that he feels a persistent discomfort with a situation he describes as “very inappropriate.”
“I saw that Ms. Ghost was obsessed with Ms. MacInnes and what was going on,” Wilson wrote about the days she filed the alleged complaint.
The producer denied asking the young actor to share the bath and shower, explaining in his own statement that he was shocked when the accusation was made against him and thought Wilson may have misunderstood.
Ms. Ghost maintains that she did not react angrily or describe MacInnes as a liar who couldn’t sing.
He also denied accusations that he had become obsessed with the young star, but admitted that he was confused by what Wilson had told him and that it lingered in his mind.
Ms Ghost said she came to believe MacInnes’ version of events when they met two weeks after the alleged complaint and the pair reconciled.
MacInnes is accused of dropping a sexual harassment complaint in exchange for lucrative career opportunities linked to Ms. Ghost, including a starring role in a production and a six-figure record deal.
Wilson said he noticed a change in the young player’s demeanor during a check-in phone call the day after the complaint, which he found “very strange.”
“Although he seemed upset and outspoken the day before, I felt he was guarded and defensive,” she wrote in her statement.
“I was worried someone might say something to her that would make her change her story.”
The Hollywood star has denied accusations that he fabricated the complaint or made it to advantage during disagreements with his co-producers over the film’s budget and writing credit.
MacInnes’ barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC argued Wilson took out libel insurance after learning he would not be given writing credit so he could “go wild on social media”.
He told the court that Wilson posed as a whistleblower speaking to protect MacInnes, but instead published the alleged complaint for his own benefit.
“This bully, apparently the savior of women, the protector of the abused, reacts this way,” Ms. Chrysanthou said.
The hearing will conclude with closing statements from both sides on Friday.
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