Defamation Trial Concludes: Charlotte MacInnes vs. Rebel Wilson
A nine-day defamation trial in the Federal Court of Australia has concluded, with actor Charlotte MacInnes suing actor and director Rebel Wilson over a series of Instagram posts. The court heard conflicting accounts regarding a 2023 incident on the set of the film The Deb and the subsequent online commentary.
The central question before the court: Did Charlotte MacInnes make a sexual harassment complaint against a producer, and did she later recant it in exchange for career opportunities?
Background of the Dispute
The legal action stems from MacInnes's role as the lead actor in Wilson's directorial debut, the musical comedy The Deb. The film, adapted from a stage musical by Hannah Reilly, premiered at a film festival in 2024 and was released in Australian cinemas in April 2026 after facing legal challenges.
MacInnes launched legal proceedings in September 2023 after Wilson published a series of Instagram stories. MacInnes alleges that these posts defamed her by suggesting she fabricated a complaint of sexual harassment against film producer Amanda Ghost and later recanted that complaint in exchange for career opportunities, including a recording contract and acting roles. MacInnes denies making any such complaint.
Wilson maintains that her social media posts are true and is relying on a defense of truth in the proceedings.
The Central Incident: The Bondi Bath
The case centers on an incident that occurred on September 5, 2023, at Bondi Beach. According to court testimony, MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost went for an evening swim. After the swim, Ghost experienced a medical reaction to the cold water, breaking out in welts. MacInnes assisted Ghost back to their shared apartment to warm up.
The MacInnes Account
MacInnes and her legal team state that the incident was a medical response. They claim that to warm up, both women, wearing their swimsuits, entered a large bath separately to warm up and were not touching. MacInnes described the situation as "strange and bizarre" but has consistently stated that she was not uncomfortable and that no inappropriate conduct occurred. Text messages presented in court between MacInnes and Ghost from that night were said to corroborate this account.
The Wilson Account
Wilson's legal team argues that the central issue is not whether sexual harassment occurred, but whether MacInnes made a complaint to Wilson about the incident and later changed her story. Wilson claims that MacInnes told her the following day that Ghost's behavior made her feel uncomfortable. Wilson further alleges that MacInnes later walked back this account, a claim Wilson made in her social media posts.
Trial Evidence and Testimony
Testimony from Charlotte MacInnes
MacInnes testified that she did not make a complaint to Wilson about the incident. She stated that she felt "pretty awful" and "somewhat numb" after reading abusive social media comments related to the case. Her boyfriend, Carlo Boumouglbay, stated in an affidavit that MacInnes became "fearful" after Wilson's posts.
Testimony from Rebel Wilson
Wilson testified that she did not fabricate the sexual harassment complaint, calling the suggestion "nonsensical." She stated that inventing such a claim would not be in her interest as it would harm her film project. Under cross-examination, Wilson was asked about the disposal of her mobile phone, which she claimed was stolen in London, leading to the loss of some text messages. MacInnes's lawyer suggested Wilson might have intentionally disposed of the phone to avoid evidence, an accusation Wilson called "absolutely outrageous." A police report regarding the alleged theft was provided to the court. Wilson also denied allegations that she bullied or harassed MacInnes, co-producer Amanda Ghost, or co-writer Hannah Reilly.
Testimony from Amanda Ghost
Producer Amanda Ghost testified that she was initially shocked by Wilson's claim that MacInnes had made a complaint. Ghost stated that she asked Wilson to clarify, and Wilson later texted her: "Charlotte says all good. She just meant 'it was a bizarre situation' not that she felt personally uncomfortable x." Ghost testified that she was relieved upon receiving this message.
The court also heard that Ghost later expressed doubts about MacInnes's honesty, avoided her, initiated a third-party investigation, and asked MacInnes to leave the shared apartment. MacInnes testified that she was distressed by Ghost's distancing behavior.
Allegations of a Smear Campaign
The court heard allegations that Wilson hired a crisis public relations firm, The Agency Group (TAG), to launch a campaign against Amanda Ghost. Text messages and testimony from former TAG employee Katie Case indicated that Wilson requested the creation of "take-down websites" targeting Ghost. Case testified that a document used to create website content was created under the name of Wilson's production company, Camp Sugar. The websites allegedly contained content labeling Ghost as a "madam" and a "pimp." Wilson's legal team stated that the websites are a distraction from the central issue and denied that Wilson was involved in their creation.
Allegation of Account Hacking
MacInnes also alleged that Wilson orchestrated a hack of her Snapchat account on September 28, 2025, resulting in a nude photo being sent to her contacts. MacInnes's barrister flagged this allegation in court. No evidence in public documents supports the claim, and Wilson has not yet responded to it in court.
Additional Legal Proceedings
Gag Order
During the proceedings, Justice Elizabeth Raper issued a court order prohibiting Wilson from commenting publicly on the case, the subject matter, or any involved persons in an adverse or critical manner. This order was sought by MacInnes's legal team following Wilson's online posts about the case, including an allegation that MacInnes was "part of some giant sex ring."
NSW Supreme Court Case
Three co-producers of The Deb in the US and the production company AI Film are seeking damages in the NSW Supreme Court against Wilson. That lawsuit claims Wilson made false and derogatory statements about the producers, including accusations of inappropriate conduct towards MacInnes and embezzlement. Wilson has filed a cross-claim in that matter.
US Legal Proceedings
Amanda Ghost and producer Vince Holden have sued Wilson for defamation in California, alleging similar claims. Wilson has filed a cross-complaint against Ghost in the US, alleging breach of contract and fraud.
Closing Arguments
Plaintiff's Lawyer (Sue Chrysanthou SC)
In closing arguments, Chrysanthou argued that Wilson "cannot be believed on any word she says" and characterized her as a "fantastical liar." She stated that Wilson concealed key evidence and questioned why MacInnes would confide in a director she barely knew rather than close friends and family about a harassment complaint.
Defense Lawyer (Dauid Sibtain SC)
Sibtain argued that it would be "preposterous" for Wilson to lie about MacInnes making the complaint, as it would harm the film's success. He claimed that MacInnes's career rise from amateur actor to international recording artist was "stratospheric" and that she changed her story after receiving a publishing deal and recording contract.
Outcome
Justice Elizabeth Raper has adjourned the trial and will deliver a judgment at a later date. Both parties are expected to make further submissions in writing before the judgment is handed down.