Why Rebel Wilson has become embroiled in a legal war on THREE fronts over a small Aussie film – as the lead actress lashes out

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Rebel Wilson’s partners on the movie ‘The Deb’ claim she’s intentionally delaying its release so she can purchase their shares for a lower price.

Wilson is facing three lawsuits concerning the delayed release of the film, and Charlotte MacInnes, the star of ‘The Deb,’ has threatened to sue him for defamation.

Rebel Wilson, known for her role in Pitch Perfect, is facing a defamation lawsuit from three producers of the film in the United States. Additionally, the production company AI Film is pursuing a claim for damages in the New South Wales Supreme Court.

AI Film and Wilson’s company, Camp Sugar, collaborated on ‘The Deb,’ with Wilson directing and starring in the film.

Wilson and AI Film created a company called Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company (DDCC) to own the rights to ‘The Deb’ and share any profits it generated.

Oh my god, it was awful! Everything just…fell apart. Apparently, back in mid-2024, Wilson just went *off* on Instagram, posting these horrible, nasty things about Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden – all the people who were working with him! It was like watching a disaster unfold, and honestly, it completely ruined everything. I was *devastated*.

Wilson publicly accused three people of sexual harassment, stealing money, and preventing the release of her first film, but they strongly deny the allegations.

AI Film is suing Wilson in an Australian court, claiming he intentionally tried to harm their business and reputation, as stated in legal documents.

The production company claims Wilson tried to strong-arm AI Film and DDCC into selling her ‘The Deb’ at a much lower price, benefiting either Camp Sugar or herself.

AI Film’s lawsuit suggests Wilson’s actions and their potential impact reveal her motivation, and they point to emails indicating she attempted to purchase the film directly.

The Daily Mail shared claims made by AI Film with Wilson’s team in the US, but they haven’t replied. Wilson also hasn’t yet submitted a response to the Supreme Court.

Okay, so I’ve been following this film *so* closely, and apparently, back in December, Patrick George – he’s a solicitor at Giles George, the law firm – actually *wrote* to the director’s lawyer! He said a bunch of really big Australian distributors were already reaching out, wanting to buy the rights! I nearly screamed when I heard – it means it’s getting *huge*! It’s amazing, honestly, to know so many people are interested.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial support can be for a project’s success. In a recent letter, Mr. George highlighted that Wilson’s backing was absolutely essential to getting the film sold and released. He was concerned that false or negative comments could seriously jeopardize everything they’d worked for, and potentially derail the entire process.

AI Film alleges that Wilson’s attorney, Bryan Freedman from Linear Freedman Taitelman + Cooley, responded with additional negative statements about Ghost and Cameron.

Mr. Freedman informed Mr. George that Wilson is in serious talks to buy The Deb film and all the rights that go with it.

The production company claims Mr. Freedman’s letter threatened legal action – specifically, that he would seek compensation and damages if AI Film or anyone working for them tried to disrupt the business deal.

Wilson’s US management did not respond to requests for comment about that alleged correspondence.  

AI Film issued a statement after filing its lawsuit in the NSW Supreme Court.

The company acknowledged the unfortunate situation but explained that these steps were necessary to get the movie, ‘The Deb,’ released on schedule. They described the film as a happy and entertaining experience and expressed confidence that viewers will enjoy it.

MacInnes expressed her excitement for the film’s release, saying she hopes the current legal matters will help ensure it happens.

Wilson claims Ghost, Holden, and Cameron acted inappropriately towards Charlotte MacInnes, a 26-year-old actress. Both MacInnes and the show’s producers have stated that this did not happen.

From what I understand, the situation involves claims that MacInnes initially reported unwanted sexual advances by Ghost, but later altered her account, seemingly to improve her chances of getting a different job. It’s a really complex situation, and it highlights how difficult these kinds of issues can be to navigate, especially when careers are involved. As someone who’s observed many professional dynamics, it’s sadly not uncommon to see motivations shift and stories evolve, but it’s crucial we always prioritize truth and accountability.

Following her work on “The Deb,” MacInnes was cast as Daisy in the pre-Broadway production of Florence Welch’s musical, “Gatsby: An American Myth,” at Boston’s American Repertory Theater.

Last September, MacInnes told the Daily Mail that the claims against him were false.

She explained that she had already addressed this with the film crew back in September 2023, and was reiterating her position now to put the matter to rest.

As a firm believer in supporting those who’ve truly been harmed, I find false claims deeply damaging. I absolutely refuse to be part of any made-up story or have my reputation dragged through the mud by lies.

MacInnes recently warned Wilson that they might sue for defamation, potentially in either the New South Wales or Western Australian Supreme Court.

According to court documents, MacInnes stated she told Wilson that Ghost never sexually harassed her.

MacInnes told the court that Wilson’s behavior, as the film’s director and her superior, was very upsetting to her.

The Daily Mail asked MacInnes’s US representatives about the allegations regarding Wilson’s behavior, but they didn’t provide a response.

The legal issues began when Wilson claimed the producers of ‘The Deb’ had misused funds and acted improperly. In response, they sued her for defamation in the United States.

Honestly, I’ve been following this whole thing, and it’s just awful! The lawsuit says Wilson is claiming the producers were totally out of line – not just with their work, but accusing them of really terrible things, even suggesting they treated poor MacInnes badly. It’s just… shocking, and I can’t believe it’s come to this!

Last month, Wilson described a lawsuit filed against her by her fellow producers in NSW Supreme Court as a display of “mean-spirited and harmful behavior” in a detailed Instagram post.

‘Apparently I’m being sued in Australia?’ she began. ‘It makes no sense. 

I’ve spent five years developing ‘The Deb’ – from a simple idea to the finished film – as its director, producer, and actor. My biggest hope is for it to be released, and I’ve been working incredibly hard to make that happen.

‘To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I’m so proud of the film!’

I believe this ongoing behavior constitutes bullying and harassment, perpetrated by those funding the project – specifically Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden.

First, they attempted to block the film’s premiere, but failed. Now, they’re trying to prevent its release with frivolous lawsuits, initially in the US and now in Australia.

Wilson emphasized how important it was for the movie to be released, and expressed disappointment that the efforts of the many Australians who worked on it might be for nothing.

According to their agreement, the financiers have the right to sell or share the film, but they haven’t exercised that right yet.

The film has been finished and ready for release for a year now, but instead of showing it in theaters, they’ve continued to act in a needlessly negative and harmful way, in my view.

Wilson then shared the first track from the album, titled “F My Life,” with fans, explaining that he did so because he felt the movie it was intended for might not be released.

The case, which includes a claim filed by Wilson, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 17th to determine the next steps.

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2025-09-14 14:07