Rebel Wilson faces defamation trial over Instagram claims about actress Charlotte MacInnes
In a Sydney courtroom, actress Charlotte MacInnes kicked off her defamation case against Rebel Wilson, centered around some Instagram posts. Wilson claimed that MacInnes felt uncomfortable after a swim with producer Amanda Ghost on September 5, 2023, at Bondi Beach, a claim made in 2024 and 2025. MacInnes's lawyer, Sue Chrysanthou SC, dismissed these allegations as "completely false" and said MacInnes had never reported any harassment. Evidence presented showed Wilson told Ghost that MacInnes was fine and found the situation "bizarre." MacInnes denied ever retracting complaints for career purposes, including roles in GATSBY (ART Boston) and a music deal. The trial began on Monday and is expected to last nine days, with Wilson also facing other legal challenges in Australia and the U.S. regarding contracts and defamation. The Deb, a musical comedy featuring MacInnes, premiered this month in Australia after she graduated from an acting academy in 2021.
Key facts
- Rebel Wilson is being sued for defamation by actress Charlotte MacInnes over Instagram posts
- Wilson claimed MacInnes felt uncomfortable after sharing a bath with producer Amanda Ghost on September 5, 2023
- The incident occurred after a swim at Bondi Beach, where Ghost had an allergic reaction
- MacInnes's lawyer called the allegations "malicious concoctions" and denied any complaint was made
- Private texts shown in court indicated MacInnes described the situation as "bizarre" but not uncomfortable
- Wilson alleged MacInnes retracted a complaint for career opportunities, including a theatre role and record deal
- The trial in Sydney began on Monday and is expected to last nine days
- Wilson faces additional court cases in Australia and the U.S. related to contract breaches and defamation
Entities
Artists
- Rebel Wilson
- Charlotte MacInnes
- Amanda Ghost
- Boy George
- Sue Chrysanthou
- Dauid Sibtain
Institutions
- Australian court
- Sydney court
- Western Australian acting academy
- ART Boston
- The Deb
- Bridesmaids
- GATSBY
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Bondi Beach
- Western Australia
- United States
- US