Rebel Wilson is speaking out after being sued in Australia by the production company behind her directorial debut, The Deb. The 44-year-old actress and filmmaker says the legal action “makes no sense” and has left her emotionally distraught.
According to reports, AI Film has filed a lawsuit in the New South Wales Supreme Court accusing Wilson of deliberately sabotaging the film by spreading false information online. The company alleges that Wilson attempted to devalue the project to acquire it through her own production company, Camp Sugar, at a discounted rate.
Wilson addressed the lawsuit on Instagram, calling the claims "complete nonsense" and "bullying."
“As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3-page idea into a gorgeous feature film – I want nothing more than to have this film released,” she wrote. “I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen.”
Wilson added, “Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a ‘truth teller’ when it comes to vile people in the industry.”
The case comes after a separate defamation lawsuit was launched last year in the United States by The Deb producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden. That suit followed Wilson’s public accusations that the producers had attempted to embezzle AUD 900,000 from the film's budget and that Amanda Ghost had sexually harassed actress Charlotte MacInnes.
Wilson countersued in October, alleging a “troubling pattern of egregious and illicit behaviours, including theft, bullying, and sexual misconduct.” However, MacInnes later rejected the harassment claims and submitted a declaration stating that Wilson’s allegations were “completely false and absurd.”
In November, a Los Angeles judge declined to dismiss the defamation case against Wilson.
Responding to the latest legal development, Wilson wrote, “I’ve moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is ‘F**K my life’ with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart.”
AI Film is reportedly seeking damages, a formal apology, and a court order preventing Wilson from making unsubstantiated claims about anyone involved with the film.
In a statement shared with The Guardian, AI Film said: “These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb’s timely release. It’s a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it."
