‘Dream Turned Nightmare’: Wilson And MacInnes Defamation Court Battle Closes

What began as a once‑promising collaboration has now spiralled into a tense legal fight between Rebel Wilson and Charlotte MacInnes in the Federal Court, with the case meeting its conclusion on Friday afternoon. 

Over the course of the two‑week hearing, the case has revealed how far their partnership has broken down, with both versions of events clashing directly and a public dispute spilling out far beyond the film itself.

“Unfortunately, what started as a dream has turned out to be a nightmare,” Wilson wrote in her sworn statement. 

At the core of the case is a disputed incident in September 2023, in which MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost shared a bath in their swimwear after Ghost suffered a medical episode at Bondi Beach. Wilson then posted on social media, claiming that MacInnes had confided in her that she felt uncomfortable by the whole experience, but later retracted her story to secure career benefits from Ghost. 

However, MacInnes has denied Wilson’s claim, explaining that the entire thing was mischaracterised, as she never felt uncomfortable, and the entire thing was being used against her. However, MacInnes has denied Wilson’s claim, arguing that the situation had been mischaracterised and used against her despite her never feeling uncomfortable. 

“[This is] a malignant allegation against my client that she sold the allegation of sexual harassment in exchange for her own professional and commercial benefit,” MacInnes’s barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, stated.

Chrysanthou pointed to Wilson’s ongoing disputes with her co-producers over the film’s budget and writing credit, alleging that after Wilson discovered she wouldn’t be credited as a writer, she promptly took out defamation insurance so she could “go ballistic on social media” without exposing herself to legal consequences.

“Ms Wilson was not a whistleblower who was seeking to protect a young actress,” Chrysanthou said.

Wilson says claim she hacked actor’s phone “outrageous”

The case has also expanded to include a separate but still serious allegation from MacInnes. She states her Snapchat account was hacked shortly after filing legal proceedings, resulting in a nude photo being leaked.

“I believe that Rebel orchestrated this,” MacInnes wrote in her affidavit.

Wilson has rejected this accusation, though, denying playing any role in the nude leak.

“That is an absolutely outrageous statement to make in court that I moonlight as a hacker,” Wilson responds.

Additionally, Wilson’s barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, has argued that MacInnes reworked her account to secure her own career opportunities.

“She changed her story… to ensure her career as an actress and musician progressed by appeasing Ms Ghost,” Sibtain told the court. 

The court has also reviewed an unsigned agreement indicating that Wilson’s former US lawyer had engaged the Agency Group to provide strategic communications services. A PR firm that was later accused of running smear campaigns. The document stated that, “As consideration for the Services, Rebel Wilson hereby agrees to pay Agency a sum of $25,000 USD per month.” Wilson, however, denies ever hiring the firm and explains that the agreement was sent to her lawyer despite being addressed to her. 

The case is soon heading to its conclusion, with closing arguments scheduled for Friday.