Rebel Wilson slammed as “bully” in court over treatment of “The Deb” lead actress Charlotte MacInnes

The “Pitch Perfect” star traded the red carpet for a Sydney courtroom this week. Rebel Wilson appeared in Federal Court on Monday to defend herself against a defamation lawsuit filed by Charlotte MacInnes, the lead actress in Wilson’s directorial debut, “The Deb.” The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with the two actresses avoiding eye contact and Wilson occasionally scoffing through proceedings. Lawyers for MacInnes didn’t hold back, labeling Wilson a “bully” and accusing her of telling “malicious” lies.

The entire case hinges on a single evening in September 2023. MacInnes and “The Deb” producer Amanda Ghost went for a sunset swim at Bondi Beach. Ghost suffered a severe allergic reaction to the cold water, a condition known as cold urticaria, leaving her shaking uncontrollably and covered in welts. They returned to Ghost’s beachside apartment, where MacInnes ran a hot bath. Both women got into the oversized bath wearing their swimsuits, with Ghost’s assistant bringing them hot drinks and staying in the bathroom. They were “not even touching at all,” the court heard.

Wilson claims MacInnes told her the next day that the bath incident made her feel uncomfortable. But when Wilson raised it with Ghost, MacInnes allegedly backtracked, saying she “just meant it was a bizarre situation”. Wilson’s legal team argues MacInnes changed her story to protect her career prospects with Ghost, who had the power to offer acting roles and record deals.

MacInnes denies ever making a complaint. Her lawyer told the court Wilson’s version of events is a “complete fantasy” and a “malicious concoction”. The young actress says Wilson’s social media posts, seen by 11 million followers, painted her as a liar who traded sexual harassment claims for career favors . Co-writer Hannah Reilly testified that MacInnes has suffered “vivid nightmares, panic attacks, and stopped eating for days,” describing the experience as an “all-consuming nightmarish force” in her life.