Rebel Wilson was slammed as a “bully” for the way she treated the “Deb” lead actress, Charlotte MacInnes.
The “Pitch Perfect” star appeared at a Sydney, Australia court on Monday to defend herself against a defamation lawsuit filed by MacInnes, who alleged Wilson damaged her reputation by claiming she was sexually harassed by “The Deb” producer Amanda Ghost — and claiming they colluded together to cover up what occurred.
In 2023, Ghost took a bath with MacInnes in a Sydney apartment after they had been swimming on Bondi Beach.
MacInnes’ lawyer, Sue Chrysanthou, told the court that Ghost suffered cold urticaria — a rare condition that causes an allergic reaction to cold temperatures, per the Cleveland Clinic — after the swim.
Chrysanthou stated that Ghost was uncontrollably shaking and broke out in hives. MacInnes helped Ghost back to the apartment and bathed with her to help warm her up, while they were both still in bathing suits.
Wilson, 46, claimed MacInnes told her she was uncomfortable during the bathing incident. The “Bridesmaid” star also claimed MacInnes withdrew her complaint after Ghost allegedly offered her career opportunities — a claim MacInnes denied.
MacInnes claimed Wilson made defamatory posts on Instagram, including one in September 2024, in which the “Bride Hard” actress claimed MacInnes changed her story after receiving a record deal and being cast by Ghost in a stage show.
Chrysanthou told the court Monday that Wilson was a “bully” for “slagging” the “North Shore” alum on Instagram.
“Ms Wilson was not a whistleblower who was seeking to protect a young actress,” Chrysanthou told the court.
Chrysanthou also argued that Wilson voiced worries about MacInnes “as leverage” during a dispute with producers about “budgets and contracts” on the 2024 musical comedy.
However, Wilson’s attorney, Dauid Sibtain, said: “The central issue for determination in this case … is this: whether Ms MacInnes reported to Ms Wilson that she’d been asked by Ms Ghost to shower and bathe with her and whether she said it made it feel uncomfortable and whether she later changed her story.”
Sibtain also alleged that MacInnes was flooded with “wealth of prizes and opportunities” following the bathing incident because she “decided to tie herself to Ms Ghost.”
Wilson’s trial is expected to last for nine days and is being streamed on YouTube.
The comedian is also facing a defamation lawsuit from Ghost and “Deb” producers Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden.
In 2024, the producers claimed Wilson fabricated stories about them regarding harassment and embezzlement. Last week, a Los Angeles judge denied Wilson’s anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss.
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