Rebel Wilson attacks ‘spiteful, toxic' producers after they sue her in Australia over directorial debut ‘The Deb'

Irish Independent

2 days ago

The Pitch Perfect star posted the statement on Instagram yesterday morning after UK-based financiers AI Film lodged fresh legal proceedings against her in the New South Wales Supreme Court, claiming she sabotaged the film's release and made defamatory claims in an attempt to force them to sell her the rights.
The Sydney-born actor and director (45) claimed the lawsuit is 'complete nonsense' and part of a wider campaign of 'bullying and harassment' by the film's producers Amanda Ghost, ­Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden.
I'm so proud of the film
'I've nurtured this project for five years. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film,' she wrote.
The legal drama over The Deb – a feel-good Australian musical – began in mid-2024 when Wilson publicly accused her fellow producers of embezzlement, sexual misconduct and blocking the film's distribution in a post on Instagram.
Her allegations were denied, and Ghost, Cameron and Holden swiftly launched a defamation lawsuit in Los Angeles.
Now, with that case still ongoing, AI Film has filed a second lawsuit in Australia, claiming Wilson's real aim was to devalue the production and pressure them into handing over their stake to her company, Camp Sugar.
They allege Wilson threatened injunctions and made damaging statements knowing they were false – including to potential distributors – all to gain 'personal financial advantage'.
In an Instagram rebuttal, the actor accused the financiers of having 'the power to release the film' but failing to do so 'for a year' since it was completed.
'Instead, in my opinion, they have continued this spiteful toxic behaviour,' she added.
The film, which premiered to warm reviews at the Toronto Film Festival last year, remains unreleased – something Wilson said is punishing the cast and crew who worked to bring it to life.
ADVERTISEMENT
'What would you do if you were me and a young cast member says she's living with a producer and had a bath and shower with them and feels uncomfortable?' she said.
I'd do the same again. I believe in a safe and inclusive workplace
Wilson also claimed crew had told her money was being stolen from the production. 'I reported both things. I'd do the same again. I believe in a safe and inclusive workplace,' she added.
Lead actor Charlotte MacInnes – named in Wilson's earlier claims – has denied any misconduct, filing a statement in the US court last November calling the allegations 'completely false and absurd'.
Wilson yesterday revealed she will release the film's first song, titled F**k My Life, in protest.
Despite the legal row, Wilson said she has moved on and is currently directing her second feature. Still, she added that she was posting about The Deb 'with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart'.
'I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised,' she said.