Rebel Wilson has won a defamation lawsuit filed by Charlotte MacInnes, an Australian actress who starred in Wilson’s directorial debut in 2024, That Deb.
On Wednesday, July 22, an Australian judge ruled in favor of Pitch Perfect star who was accused by MacInnes of spreading lies about her on social media following an alleged sexual harassment incident.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in 2023 involving the film’s co-producer, Amanda Ghost. Wilson claimed that MacInnes confided in her that she felt “uncomfortable” after Ghost asked her to take a post-beach shower with her.
According to Wilson, MacInnes later withdrew his complaint to protect his career – something Wilson suggested in his social media posts. But MacInnes maintains she never made or withdrew such a complaint, claiming Wilson’s post damaged her reputation.
However, Judge Elizabeth Raper ruled on Wednesday that MacInnes “failed to establish that the publications have caused or were likely to cause serious harm,” and found in Wilson’s favor, per CNN.
Throughout the trial, Wilson denied claims that she made up the allegations or used them as leverage during disputes over the film’s budget and writing credits.
Rebel Wilson celebrates defamation conviction
After the verdict, Wilson reflected on the toll the dispute had taken, describing The Deb as her “dream job” and saying seeing its journey overshadowed by lawsuits had been “incredibly difficult.”
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me,” she wrote. “I am grateful that this chapter has come to a close and I look forward to getting back to what I love most, my family and my work. Thank you to the judge and the Australian justice system for which I have the utmost respect”.
