Rebel Wilson Denies Bullying Allegations Amid Defamation Trial Over Instagram Posts

Rebel Wilson has strongly denied accusations that she bullied women during the making of her directorial debut, The Deb, as she testified in a high-profile defamation lawsuit in Sydney. The Australian actress faces legal action from co-star Charlotte MacInnes, who alleges Wilson damaged her reputation through Instagram posts accusing her of lying about sexual harassment claims.

The case has drawn significant attention due to its focus on workplace conduct in the film industry and the impact of social media on personal reputations. Wilson’s courtroom appearance marks a pivotal moment in the dispute, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts of events that unfolded during filming.

Wilson Rejects Bullying Claims as 'Absolute Nonsense'

During intense cross-examination, Rebel Wilson dismissed allegations that she mistreated MacInnes, producer Amanda Ghost, and a female writer on set. When asked if she considered herself a champion of women, Wilson affirmed she did, calling the bullying accusations 'absolute nonsense.' She maintained that her critical social media posts were truthful and not a form of mistreatment.

Disputed Incident at Bondi Beach Sparks Controversy

Central to the case is a September 2023 incident involving MacInnes and Ghost at Bondi Beach. After Ghost suffered a severe allergic reaction to cold water, the two women returned to Ghost’s apartment where they shared a hot bath while wearing swimsuits. Wilson claims MacInnes told her the situation made her uncomfortable, a statement MacInnes denies, describing it only as 'weird' or 'bizarre.'

Text messages presented in court show Wilson relayed to Ghost that MacInnes had 'zero issues' with the bath incident, further complicating the narrative. MacInnes argues Wilson mischaracterized the event and exploited it, leading to a breakdown in their working relationship.

Allegations of Online Smear Campaign and Privacy Breach

The prosecution has also accused Wilson of orchestrating a smear campaign by allegedly commissioning a US PR firm to create websites portraying Ghost in a damaging light, comparing her to convicted criminal Ghislaine Maxwell. Additionally, the court heard about a nude photo of MacInnes being leaked after her social media was hacked, raising concerns about privacy violations linked to the dispute.

What’s Next in the Defamation Battle?

Wilson’s testimony is set to continue, with the court closely examining the truthfulness of her social media posts and the impact on MacInnes’s career. Despite claims that MacInnes’s career has thrived post-incident, she is seeking aggravated damages and an injunction to prevent Wilson from repeating the contested statements online.

“That’s absolute nonsense,”—Rebel Wilson