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Wilson rejects allegations of mistreating women on set
Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson firmly denied accusations of bullying female colleagues during testimony in a Sydney courtroom on Tuesday, calling the claims "absolute nonsense." The Bridesmaids star is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Australian actress Charlotte MacInnes over a series of Instagram posts Wilson made in 2024 and 2025.
Courtroom confrontation
Wilson, who directed her debut film The Deb-in which MacInnes stars-was questioned by prosecutors about her self-described role as a "champion of women." She confirmed the label but dismissed suggestions that her public criticism of women involved in the film contradicted that stance.
Sue Chrysanthou SC, representing MacInnes, pressed Wilson on her treatment of MacInnes, producer Amanda Ghost, and a female screenwriter during the production of The Deb. Wilson maintained her innocence, arguing that her statements were "truthful" and not a form of mistreatment.
The tense exchange unfolded before a packed courtroom, including journalists, supporters, and witnesses-Ghost among them. Wilson frequently stated she could not recall specific details of the case and denied involvement in websites allegedly spreading rumors about Ghost and MacInnes.
Disputed Bondi Beach incident
The defamation case centers on a September 2023 incident at Bondi Beach, where MacInnes and Ghost, a producer on The Deb, went for a swim. Ghost suffered an allergic reaction to the cold water, known as cold urticaria, developing red welts and uncontrollable shaking, the court heard last week.
The pair returned to Ghost's beachside apartment, where MacInnes ran a hot bath. Both women, wearing swimsuits, climbed into the tub to warm up. Ghost's assistant later brought them hot drinks, and the group chatted briefly in the bathroom.
Wilson, who is relying on a truth defense, claims MacInnes told her the incident made her feel "uncomfortable." MacInnes denies this, stating she described it as "weird" or "strange and bizarre." Last week, MacInnes testified that Wilson "mischaracterised and exploited" the incident, leading to a deterioration in their relationship during filming.
Text messages and career impact
The court was shown text messages Wilson sent to Ghost, in which she wrote that MacInnes had "zero issues" with the bath incident. Wilson relayed that MacInnes described it as "a bizarre situation" rather than feeling personally uncomfortable.
Wilson's legal team argued last week that MacInnes's career had not suffered due to the social media posts. They pointed to her recent record deal with Atlantic Records and a role in a U.S. theater production produced by Ghost.
MacInnes is seeking aggravated damages and an injunction to prevent Wilson from repeating the claims online.
Allegations of smear campaigns and hacking
Prosecutors also alleged that Wilson instructed a U.S. public relations firm to create websites portraying Ghost as an "Indian Ghislaine Maxwell," a reference to the convicted sex trafficker. Additionally, the court heard that a nude photo of MacInnes was leaked after her social media accounts were hacked.
"The accusation that I'm a liar is outrageous," Wilson told the court.
Trial continues
Wilson is expected to resume her testimony on Wednesday as the high-profile defamation case proceeds.
