Rebel Wilson has encountered a significant legal hurdle in her ongoing U.S. court battle concerning her directorial debut, The Deb. A California court has barred her from pursuing certain allegations in her cross-complaint against the film’s co-producers, including claims of embezzlement and misconduct. This complex case involves multiple legal proceedings, both in Australia and the United States.
The defamation case against Wilson began in July 2023, when co-producers Vince Holden, Gregor Cameron, and Amanda Ghost filed a lawsuit in California. They allege that Wilson made false statements regarding their actions, claiming they obstructed the film’s release, misappropriated funds, and engaged in inappropriate conduct toward the film’s lead actor. In response, Wilson filed a cross-complaint against the producers and A.I. Film Production, alleging a pattern of “illicit egregious behaviours,” including theft and bullying.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of New South Wales issued an order prohibiting Wilson from pursuing specific allegations in her U.S. cross-claim. Notably, the court has prevented her from claiming that Cameron and Holden embezzled $900,000 from the film’s budget. Additionally, Wilson cannot pursue allegations that Ghost and A.I. Film breached contractual obligations. Justice Elisabeth Peden expressed concern that allowing these claims to proceed could lead to conflicting judgments between the Californian and New South Wales courts.
Despite these restrictions, the court did permit Wilson to pursue other claims in California, illustrating the complexity of the legal entanglement. The judge emphasized the need to prevent inconsistent findings across jurisdictions.
The legal battles are not one-sided. A.I. Film Production, which partnered with Wilson to develop The Deb, has also initiated legal action against her in Australia. They accuse Wilson of undermining efforts to secure distribution deals by making public allegations about the producers’ conduct. Court documents indicate that A.I. Film contends Wilson’s actions have resulted in breaches of her contractual obligations, prompting them to seek damages and a public apology.
Wilson’s legal team has vigorously denied these allegations, asserting that she experienced “retaliatory bullying and harassment” during production. They claim she was targeted on set, which affected her ability to lead effectively. According to documents filed by her team, “Ms. Wilson was targeted on set on most, if not all, days during production of the Film.”
Adding further complexity to the situation, a separate defamation case has emerged involving the film’s lead actor, Charlotte MacInnes. MacInnes is suing Wilson in the New South Wales registry of the Federal Court over social media posts that allegedly imply she lied about not making a complaint against Ghost for inappropriate behavior. This case underscores the intricate web of allegations tied to the film and its production.
As these legal disputes continue to unfold, none of the allegations in the various cases have yet been tested in court. The outcomes of these proceedings may have significant implications not only for Wilson but also for the individuals and companies involved in the production of The Deb. The ongoing litigation highlights the challenges and controversies inherent in the film industry, particularly concerning directorial and production roles.
With the stakes high and the legal battles intensifying, all parties are likely to remain engaged in this complex dispute for the foreseeable future.
