Hollywood star Rebel Wilson wins defamation case brought by young actress
An Australian judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed against Rebel Wilson by actress Charlotte MacInnes. The case stemmed from Instagram posts Wilson made regarding the production of her directorial debut, 'The Deb'.
Why it matters
The ruling provides legal clarity on public accusations made by celebrities on social media and concludes a high-profile dispute within the Australian film industry.
Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has successfully defended claims she defamed a young actress who played the lead role in her directorial debut. An Australian judge on Wednesday dismissed the case brought by “The Deb” actress Charlotte MacInnes, who had accused the “Pitch Perfect” star of spreading lies about her to millions of followers on Instagram. MacInnes said the posts had made her the “subject of abuse, hatred and ridicule online” and affected her career prospects. Justice Elizabeth Raper disagreed. In the posts, Wilson suggested MacInnes had withdrawn a complaint of sexual harassment against the film’s producers to further her career as an actor and singer. MacInnes denied ever having made a complaint. The claim and counterclaim are among serious allegations – including of smear campaigns and embezzlement – aired in multiple court cases now swirling around the production of the Australian musical comedy.
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