Renowned Australian actress Rebel Wilson has spoken out about the controversy surrounding her role as a ‘whistleblower’ concerning alleged sexual harassment on the set of her upcoming film, The Deb.
During an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, the 45-year-old Pitch Perfect star discussed the legal battles involving her and certain production team members as she prepares for her directorial debut.
Wilson is currently facing a lawsuit for defamation from Charlotte MacInnes, the lead star of The Deb. MacInnes claims Wilson filed a sexual harassment complaint on her behalf without her approval and later accused MacInnes of denying the allegations for personal gain.
The director alleges that MacInnes, 25, informed her that producer Amanda Ghost, 51, had reacted poorly to cold water, leading her to Ghost’s home, where they allegedly shared a shower—a claim MacInnes has dismissed as ‘completely false and absurd’ in a counter lawsuit.
The heated legal exchanges began in July 2024 after Wilson accused producers Gregor Cameron, Vince Holden, and Ghost of obstructing the film’s debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Wilson’s accusations of ‘bad behavior’ on set, shared with her vast Instagram audience, led the producers to initiate defamation proceedings against her.
The first-time director responded with a counterclaim, highlighting a series of ‘illicit behaviors, including theft and bullying,’ and stating that MacInnes experienced a mental breakdown due to sexual harassment by Ghost.
Speaking on Sunday, November 23, Wilson remarked, “I felt that in my position as director, I had to report that. And the moment I did, [it] started all the kind of retaliation against me.”
In her discussion with 60 Minutes‘ Tara Brown, Wilson confirmed she was ‘100%’ certain that MacInnes had confided in her, saying: “Amanda Ghost asked me to [take] a bath and shower with her, and it made me feel really uncomfortable.”
Pressed on why she reported the complaint on MacInnes’ behalf, Wilson explained: “She came to me, she made what I obviously inferred as a sexual harassment complaint, and I had a duty to then act on it.”
Brown presented Wilson with supposed texts between Ghost and the director that suggested the film’s lead was ‘all good’ following the shower incident, with the two exchanging polite messages.
Wilson clarified, “How I would describe those texts, is I’m trying to maintain professional communication with Amanda Ghost — she’s the producer, she’s the access to the money for the film. This is weeks before we start shooting the movie, and I’m trying to keep a very professional communication, but at the same time I’m feeling very uneasy.”
When questioned about her disregard for MacInnes’ statements denying any harassment, Wilson argued this was due to MacInnes receiving a role in Ghost’s stage production of The Great Gatsby.
“I think, when it gets into the details in court, I don’t think anyone in their right mind believes that a medical incident occurred and Amanda Ghost needed the body warmth of an actress to save her life. It’s just not credible,” Wilson commented.
Wilson also criticized the behavior of producers on her film, labeling it as ‘bullying and harassment’. “I was, kind of, the target of this incessant bullying and harassment because I’d spoken out about the behavior of these UK producers,” she told Brown.
Brown questioned Wilson about allegations of her being a bully during production. Wilson replied, “No, I see that as, like, standing up for my movie and the hard work that everyone put into it for years.”
The Deb is slated for release in Australia and New Zealand, with no confirmed international release date yet.
UNILAD has attempted to contact the producers’ legal representatives and MacInnes’ representatives for their comments.