Rebel Wilson’s claims against actress are ‘malicious concoctions’, Australian court hears

On the opening day of a defamation trial in Sydney, legal representatives argued that Rebel Wilson’s accusations against young actress Charlotte MacInnes are “malicious concoctions.” The Hollywood star alleged that MacInnes had been sexually harassed by a producer and later withdrew her complaint to enhance her professional prospects. These claims were presented as part of a broader case against Wilson, who has accused the actress of misleading her about the incident.

Wilson shared posts on Instagram in 2024 and 2025, asserting that MacInnes felt “uncomfortable” during a shared bath with one of the film’s female producers. However, MacInnes denies making such a complaint, and her legal team maintains that she never expressed discomfort to Wilson. They argue that the actress used the situation as “leverage” in a dispute over the film’s budget and contracts.

The incident in question occurred on 5 September 2023, when MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost swam at Bondi Beach. Ghost experienced an allergic reaction to the water, known as cold urticaria, causing red welts and uncontrollable shivering. The pair returned to Ghost’s beachside residence, where MacInnes prepared a hot bath for the producer. Both then entered the bath, clad in swimsuits, according to the legal team’s description of it as “oversized.” Sue Chrysanthou SC stated,

“They were not even touching at all.”

Following the swim, Wilson claimed to have spoken with MacInnes, who told her she felt uneasy about the bath. Wilson then raised the issue with Ghost. However, when reconsulted a few days later, MacInnes reportedly contradicted her earlier statement. A text message from Wilson to Ghost, displayed in court, read:

“Charlotte says all good. She just meant ‘it was a bizarre situation’ not that she personally felt uncomfortable.”

MacInnes’s lawyers insist the allegations are unfounded, asserting that the accusations have damaged her reputation for honesty. They counter that Wilson fabricated the story to shift blame onto Ghost, who had previously worked with MacInnes on a theatre production. David Sibtain, Wilson’s lawyer, argued that MacInnes lied by denying the complaint, using it to “ensure her career as an actress and musician progressed by appeasing Ms Ghost.”

Since the film’s release, MacInnes has taken on a leading role in a US theatre production and secured a record label deal. Sibtain noted,

“She’s suffered no harm to her reputation, indeed, her career has progressed.”

The trial, which began on Monday, is expected to last nine days. Meanwhile, Wilson faces two other legal actions: one in Australia over alleged contract breaches and another in the US regarding defamation claims, where she is also filing a countersuit.