Rebel Wilson’s Claims Labelled “Malicious Concoctions” as Defamation Trial Against Charlotte MacInnes Begins in Sydney
Sydney, Australia – 20 April 2026
The Federal Court in Sydney heard explosive opening arguments on Monday in a high-profile defamation case brought by rising Australian actress Charlotte MacInnes against Hollywood star Rebel Wilson.
MacInnes, who stars in Wilson’s directorial debut The Deb, alleges that Wilson’s 2024 and 2025 Instagram posts falsely claimed she had been sexually harassed by a female producer and then retracted her complaint in exchange for career opportunities.
Lawyers for MacInnes told the court that Wilson’s allegations were “completely false, fantasy, malicious concoctions.” Senior Counsel Sue Chrysanthou SC argued that MacInnes never made any complaint to Wilson about feeling uncomfortable after sharing a bath with producer Amanda Ghost.
The incident in question occurred on 5 September 2023 at Bondi Beach. After Ghost suffered an allergic reaction (cold urticaria) during a swim, the pair returned to Ghost’s beachside apartment. MacInnes ran a hot bath for Ghost, and both women — still wearing swimsuits — got into the oversized bath together. According to MacInnes’ legal team, they were “not even touching at all,” and Ghost’s assistant was also present in the bathroom for a short time.
The following day, Wilson spoke with MacInnes, who allegedly said she felt uncomfortable. However, MacInnes’ lawyers claim that when Wilson raised the matter again days later, the young actress clarified she had only described the situation as “bizarre,” not personally uncomfortable.
A text message from Wilson to Ghost, shown in court, read: “Charlotte says all good. She just meant ‘it was a bizarre situation’ not that she personally felt uncomfortable.”
MacInnes’ team alleges Wilson later used the story as “leverage” during a dispute with producers over the film’s budget and contracts.
Wilson’s lawyer, Dauid Sibtain SC, countered that MacInnes had lied about never making a complaint in order to protect and advance her career. He pointed out that since The Deb, MacInnes has secured a lead role in a US theatre production of Gatsby and released music, suggesting these opportunities came after she aligned with the producer’s version of events.
“The allegations that she was sexually harassed … but then retracted her complaint to further her career were completely false,” Chrysanthou told the court.
MacInnes is seeking damages, claiming the posts have tarnished her reputation for honesty and integrity. Wilson, known for Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, is also involved in separate legal disputes with the film’s producers.
The trial, which is expected to last nine days, continues this week.
