The Deb is hogging attention for all the wrong reasons. The events surrounding the film have triggered a series of lawsuits and counterlawsuits between the director, Rebel Wilson, and the film’s producers. Now, a new entrant into the legal quagmire is the film’s lead, Charlotte MacInnes, who has sued Wilson for defamation.
Rebel Wilson is spreading “malicious concoctions,” says MacInnes’ lawyer
In the new lawsuit, MacInnes claims that Wilson made false and defamatory statements in social media posts from 2024 to 2025, alleging that the actress was s——- harassed by producer Amanda Ghost, and later walked back the claim in order to secure better career opportunities.
As per media reports, the allegations stem from a bathing incident involving Ghost and MacInnes. Wilson alleged on social media that the actress felt uneasy sharing a bath with the producer at an apartment in Bondi, Australia, and had registered a police complaint, which she later retracted in exchange for a major theater role and a record deal.
However, the actress’s legal team told a Sydney court this month that the allegations were “malicious concoctions.” MacInnes denied ever having made a police complaint and is seeking damages for harm caused to her reputation. Sue Chrysanthou SC, representing MacInnes, stated that Ghost had suffered a medical emergency while swimming with the actress, and the pair returned to the apartment where the Australian actress ran a hot bath so that the producer could freshen up. The pair is said to have been in the tub together in their swimsuits. The lawyer presented MacInnes’ version of events as consensual and non-s—–, claiming that Wilson’s statements were false.
Furthermore, lawyers representing The Deb star described Wilson as a “bully” for how she treated MacInnes during the entire episode. Meanwhile, Wilson’s lawyer, Dauid Sibtain SC, presented a counter, stating, “Even if Ms. Ghost was, as she contends, recovering from a medical episode by warming up in the bath, a junior employee might feel perhaps an even greater sense of discomfort by being in the bath at the same time,” adding that there was no harm caused to the actress’ reputation as a result of Wilson’s claims.
Previously, court hearings earlier in the year revealed accusations that Wilson requested a smear website to be published against producer Amanda Ghost, comparing her to a “madam.” The lawsuit surrounding the film was first filed in 2024 by producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden against Wilson, alleging she defamed them, sought improper writing credits, and engaged in bullying tactics. It prompted a countersuit accusing the producers of engaging in “viciousness and retaliatory behavior,” including misappropriating funds.
