Rebel Wilson blasts producers, posts clip of unreleased film
The Australian star, 45, faces claims that she made false and defamatory statements about the producers, including allegations of 'inappropriate conduct' toward the film's lead Charlotte MacInnes—who has denied those accusations.
Wilson took to Instagram on Friday to call the lawsuit, filed by Vince Holden, Gregor Cameron, and Amanda Ghost in New South Wales Supreme Court, an example of 'spiteful toxic behaviour.'
She wrote, 'Apparently I'm being sued in Australia? It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called The Deb for five years from a three-page idea into a gorgeous feature film—I wish nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen.'
She added, 'To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film!' Wilson blamed the UK financiers—Ghost, Cameron, and Holden—for what she called continuous bullying and harassment, accusing them of attempting to block the film's release both in the US and Australia after failing to prevent its Toronto premiere.
'It's been a year since the film has been completed and ready to go in cinemas,' she said.
'Instead, in my opinion, they have continued this spiteful toxic behaviour.' Wilson stressed it was 'imperative the movie is released' and expressed sadness over the hard work of 'so many Australians' being wasted.
She noted that as financiers, the producers have contractual power to distribute or sell the film—but 'they haven't done so.' Rebel Instagram 2 Credit: Rebel Instagram 2 Rebel Instagram 4 Credit: Rebel Instagram 4
Wilson then revealed she would release the film's first song, 'F*** My Life,' for fans 'because if these f***wits aren't going to release the movie I may as well.'
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She also stood by previous accusations against the producers, which form the basis of both the US and Australian defamation lawsuits against her.
Wilson concluded, 'I've moved on, now directing my second movie and loving it. But regarding The Deb, all I can literally say is 'F*** My Life' with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. 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. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work!'
Reports about the second Australian lawsuit surfaced on Thursday, with the producers accusing Wilson of making false statements about them, including claims of embezzling funds and inappropriate conduct toward Ms MacInnes. The producers additionally allege Wilson threatened the film's Australian distributor, Kismet, by seeking an injunction to block the release.
Wilson has been outspoken about the dispute and re-shared footage of Ms MacInnes performing at Cannes, commenting on the actress's alleged continued professional ties to one of the producers.
Ms MacInnes categorically denied the misconduct allegations and called Wilson's claims 'completely false and absurd,' asserting that nothing she told Wilson should have conveyed any report of wrongdoing.
The legal battle remains ongoing, with Wilson fighting allegations that threaten to stall the release of her much-anticipated film.
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The Advertiser
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The show is directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish writer Brittanie Shipway, who says it is a celebration of storytelling, music and the rich tapestry of culture. "What better way to honour the spirit of our island home than through the voices of 12 extraordinary performers, each bringing the depth and beauty of their own cultural heritage." Ti Moune is "a dreamer, a healer and a trailblazer on a journey of love, sacrifice and self-discovery", she adds. To Knox, the story is a "representation of us" filled with the music and dances of culture, which he's looking forward to sharing with audiences. "It's going to be incredible," he said. "There's a section in the middle that's going to be mind blowing. I don't care who you are, you're going to go crazy for it." Once on This Island plays at the Hayes Theatre in association with Curveball Creative, from August 2 to 31. Gamilaraay performer Googoorewon Knox has music in his blood. His grandfather Roger Knox is a country music legend and on the other side of his family, his grandmother Auriel Andrew was also a respected performer. Knox made his debut in musical theatre as George Washington in the Australian return season of Hamilton in 2024. While on a slightly different path to the one set out in his family roots, it's not that much of a stretch for him. "It makes sense being a singer, being in a musical family and enjoying being an entertainer at the same time," he tells AAP. "The fact that it's happened isn't a huge surprise." Knox is returning to the stage in August to play Agwe, the god of water in the award-winning musical Once on This Island. The contemporary re-imagining of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid and the book My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy follows the story of Ti Moune, who risks everything to save a boy from the other side of the island where she lives. Beginning on Australia's own shores, the show blends Caribbean origins with the rich cultural history found closer to home. Knox says it's a freeing experience to bring himself and his heritage to the stage. "That's who I am," he said. "Hamilton was a historical piece; all the characters are real people, they're played by Black people but they weren't Black people," he said. "To be able to play Black characters as a Black person is very freeing." The show is directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish writer Brittanie Shipway, who says it is a celebration of storytelling, music and the rich tapestry of culture. "What better way to honour the spirit of our island home than through the voices of 12 extraordinary performers, each bringing the depth and beauty of their own cultural heritage." Ti Moune is "a dreamer, a healer and a trailblazer on a journey of love, sacrifice and self-discovery", she adds. To Knox, the story is a "representation of us" filled with the music and dances of culture, which he's looking forward to sharing with audiences. "It's going to be incredible," he said. "There's a section in the middle that's going to be mind blowing. I don't care who you are, you're going to go crazy for it." Once on This Island plays at the Hayes Theatre in association with Curveball Creative, from August 2 to 31. Gamilaraay performer Googoorewon Knox has music in his blood. His grandfather Roger Knox is a country music legend and on the other side of his family, his grandmother Auriel Andrew was also a respected performer. Knox made his debut in musical theatre as George Washington in the Australian return season of Hamilton in 2024. While on a slightly different path to the one set out in his family roots, it's not that much of a stretch for him. "It makes sense being a singer, being in a musical family and enjoying being an entertainer at the same time," he tells AAP. "The fact that it's happened isn't a huge surprise." Knox is returning to the stage in August to play Agwe, the god of water in the award-winning musical Once on This Island. The contemporary re-imagining of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid and the book My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy follows the story of Ti Moune, who risks everything to save a boy from the other side of the island where she lives. Beginning on Australia's own shores, the show blends Caribbean origins with the rich cultural history found closer to home. Knox says it's a freeing experience to bring himself and his heritage to the stage. "That's who I am," he said. "Hamilton was a historical piece; all the characters are real people, they're played by Black people but they weren't Black people," he said. "To be able to play Black characters as a Black person is very freeing." The show is directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish writer Brittanie Shipway, who says it is a celebration of storytelling, music and the rich tapestry of culture. "What better way to honour the spirit of our island home than through the voices of 12 extraordinary performers, each bringing the depth and beauty of their own cultural heritage." Ti Moune is "a dreamer, a healer and a trailblazer on a journey of love, sacrifice and self-discovery", she adds. To Knox, the story is a "representation of us" filled with the music and dances of culture, which he's looking forward to sharing with audiences. "It's going to be incredible," he said. "There's a section in the middle that's going to be mind blowing. I don't care who you are, you're going to go crazy for it." Once on This Island plays at the Hayes Theatre in association with Curveball Creative, from August 2 to 31.
