In their closing arguments in the defamation trial against Rebel Wilson, Deadline reports that legal representatives for the actress suing her labeled Wilson a “fantastical liar.” It was a colorful bookend to a case that opened in April with Wilson being branded a “bully.”
The 25-year-old lead in Wilson’s directorial debut The Deb, Charlotte MacInnes, alleged that Wilson used her large Instagram following to falsely portray her as the victim of a predatory producer. Wilson denied the allegations. It is now up to the Australian court to decide.
Social Media Posts at the Center of Defamation Trial
MacInnes claimed that Wilson damaged her reputation and career through a series of social media posts made between September 2024 and May 2025. In those posts, Wilson publicized claims that MacInnes allegedly shared privately about an unwanted advance by The Deb producer Amanda Ghost. The posts allegedly implied that MacInnes later changed her account to secure further opportunities.
Charlotte MacInnes in the trailer for The Deb – Trailer Feed, YouTube
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MacInnes’s legal team pointed to reports that Wilson secured defamation insurance before publishing the posts. They argued this showed premeditation.
The legal drama surrounding Wilson extended beyond the Australian defamation trial. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles judge dismissed several claims brought by Wilson against producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden. The Deb director accused them of intimidation and embezzlement.
Later, a leaked recording obtained by The Hollywood Reporter suggested that a crisis PR team representing Wilson discussed plans to launch a smear campaign against Ghost.
Closing Arguments Focus on Credibility and Motive
In final statements, Sue Chrysanthou, the head of MacInnes’ legal team, accused Wilson of a “complete revision of history.” She went on to call Rebel Wilson a “fantastical liar who has made up terrible, terrible allegations about other people.”
As a result of the legal conflict, Chrysanthou said that MacInnes has “been unable to eat, unable to sleep, has been distressed … [she] fears what Rebel Wilson is going to do to her next.” The comments highlighted the physical and emotional toll she claimed her client suffered.
Rebel Wilson in the trailer for The Deb – Trailer Feed, YouTube
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Speaking before the court, Dauid Sibtain, Wilson’s legal representative, attempted to cast MacInnes’ situation differently. He reiterated Wilson’s original position. Since denying any alleged wrongdoing by Ghost, Sibtain argued that MacInnes’ career had gone “stratospheric.” As proof, he pointed to her casting in a Gatsby stage production produced by Ghost and her record deal with Warner Music.
“That must have been a motivation in her mind for the change,” he said. “It is remarkable to see someone … fresh out of having performed a small part in a stage show launching straight into international travel between London, Cannes, Italy, and Los Angeles, it’s quite remarkable.”
The Deb Moves Forward
While Justice Elizabeth Raper considers her verdict, the film that seemingly sparked the conflict is moving toward a U.S. release. Varity reports that on May 12, Sunrise Films signed a deal for North American distribution of The Deb, which has already debuted in Australia. The film is also scheduled to screen at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Rebel Wilson in 2014 – The Graham Norton Show, YouTube
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Even after the final verdict, debate in the court of public opinion over whether Rebel Wilson is a “fantastical liar” is unlikely to fade anytime soon. The true test may be what Wilson does next, and how those around her respond.
Do you think Rebel Wilson is a “bully” and “fantastical liar?” Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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