Latest news with #TheDeb
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rebel Wilson's film The Deb is mired in legal action – so what happened?
It all sounded so promising. After Hollywood success with Bridesmaids, the Pitch Perfect trilogy and Jojo Rabbit, Rebel Wilson's first film as director, the Australian musical comedy, The Deb, was strong enough to be selected for closing night at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. It centred on two teenagers – big-hearted farm girl Taylah (Natalie Abbott) and her cynical city cousin Maeve (Charlotte MacInnes) – attending a debutant ball in the fictional country town of Dunburn. Wilson played the town's beautician in a solid supporting cast that included Tara Morice, Shane Jacobson, Susan Prior and the late Julian McMahon. With a script by Hannah Reilly, who, with musician Meg Washington, wrote the stage show on which the film is based, The Deb had all the makings of a hit in the tradition of Muriel's Wedding and The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. But 10 months after the world premiere in September last year, the film is caught up in a particularly bitter legal dispute. Why wasn't The Deb released after it premiered in Toronto? The drama around The Deb emerged when Wilson told her 11 million Instagram followers in a video post in July last year that executive producer Vince Holden and producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron were trying to block the Toronto premiere. She claimed in the video this was in retaliation for her reporting what she alleged was 'inappropriate behaviour towards the lead actress' and 'embezzling funds from the film's budget'. 'They're saying, you know, it can't come out,' Wilson said in a video on the social media platform. 'They might not release it, they might bury it. This is the work of hundreds of people who have put their heart and soul into this. And this behaviour is absolutely vile and disgusting.' The producers quickly and emphatically denied Wilson's allegations, saying they were false, defamatory and disappointing. 'Her self-promotional claims are clearly intended to cause reputational harm to the individuals who have supported her directorial debut film, The Deb – a joyous movie that we're very proud of and are looking forward to sharing with audiences. For her to promote a false narrative to advance her own agenda undermines the film and all the people who worked on this project.'
The Age
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Rebel Wilson's film The Deb is mired in legal action – so what happened?
It all sounded so promising. After Hollywood success with Bridesmaids, the Pitch Perfect trilogy and Jojo Rabbit, Rebel Wilson's first film as director, the Australian musical comedy, The Deb, was strong enough to be selected for closing night at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. It centred on two teenagers – big-hearted farm girl Taylah (Natalie Abbott) and her cynical city cousin Maeve (Charlotte MacInnes) – attending a debutant ball in the fictional country town of Dunburn. Wilson played the town's beautician in a solid supporting cast that included Tara Morice, Shane Jacobson, Susan Prior and the late Julian McMahon. With a script by Hannah Reilly, who, with musician Meg Washington, wrote the stage show on which the film is based, The Deb had all the makings of a hit in the tradition of Muriel's Wedding and The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. But 10 months after the world premiere in September last year, the film is caught up in a particularly bitter legal dispute. Why wasn't The Deb released after it premiered in Toronto? The drama around The Deb emerged when Wilson told her 11 million Instagram followers in a video post in July last year that executive producer Vince Holden and producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron were trying to block the Toronto premiere. She claimed in the video this was in retaliation for her reporting what she alleged was 'inappropriate behaviour towards the lead actress' and 'embezzling funds from the film's budget'. 'They're saying, you know, it can't come out,' Wilson said in a video on the social media platform. 'They might not release it, they might bury it. This is the work of hundreds of people who have put their heart and soul into this. And this behaviour is absolutely vile and disgusting.' The producers quickly and emphatically denied Wilson's allegations, saying they were false, defamatory and disappointing. 'Her self-promotional claims are clearly intended to cause reputational harm to the individuals who have supported her directorial debut film, The Deb – a joyous movie that we're very proud of and are looking forward to sharing with audiences. For her to promote a false narrative to advance her own agenda undermines the film and all the people who worked on this project.'
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'Sabotage': Rebel Wilson sued by production company
Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "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." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "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 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd 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! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "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." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "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 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd 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! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "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." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "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 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd 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! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Rebel Wilson sued by producers as chaos erupts over harassment scandal and film rights
Rebel Wilson's directorial debut, The Deb, has ignited a full-blown legal war, with the film's producers now accusing the actress of derailing distribution plans in order to seize control of the project. The production company AI Film filed a lawsuit in Australia this week, alleging Wilson intentionally undermined negotiations to buy the rights to the film herself, all while stoking a firestorm of harassment claims. According to the complaint, a prospective distributor backed out after Wilson allegedly threatened legal action to block the film's release. AI Film claims Wilson's actions were designed to torpedo the deal and shift blame to the producers, all while she was negotiating privately to acquire the film outright. The controversy stems from Wilson's public claims last year that she discovered serious misconduct involving lead actress Charlotte MacInnes and financial mishandling during production. The producers responded by suing her for defamation, alleging that the accusations were timed to boost Wilson's profile and help her gain a writing credit, as well as a coveted premiere slot at the Toronto International Film Festival. Wilson countered with her own legal action, repeating allegations of sexual harassment and theft, which MacInnes has publicly denied. Now, AI Film alleges Wilson misled other collaborators, telling them the company was responsible for stalled distribution and hiring a crisis PR firm to spin the narrative. They argue it's Wilson's own damaging comments and interference that have blocked the film from reaching audiences. Her legal team reportedly confirmed she is in talks to purchase The Deb and threatened legal retaliation if obstructed. Wilson maintains she wants the film released, blaming MacInnes for 'lies' and claiming the project has been sabotaged from within. In a scathing post on the film's Instagram, she wrote that the 300 people who worked on The Deb deserve better.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rebel Wilson hits back at lawsuit when she's sued for accusing movie producers' of inappropriate conduct
Rebel Wilson has hit back at the second lawsuit filed against her by the producers of her directorial debut film The Deb, and released a song from the movie called F*** My Life. The lawsuit claims the 45-year-old star made false and derogatory statements about the producers, including accusations of engaging in 'inappropriate conduct' toward the film's star Charlotte MacInnes - who's since denied the allegations. Wilson shared a message on Instagram on Friday, and called the proceedings, which were filed by producers Vince Holden, Gregor Cameron, and Amanda Ghost in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, an act of 'spiteful toxic behavior'. Wilson's post said: '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. 'To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! 'In my opinion, this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden. 'They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one.' Wilson went on to say it was 'imperative the movie is released' and added it was 'sad' to see the hard work of 'so many Australians' who worked on the film go to waste. Wilson added: 'Contractually as financiers they have the power to sell or release/distribute the film. They haven't done so. 'It's been a year since the film has been completed and ready to go in cinemas. Instead, in my opinion they have continued this spiteful toxic behaviou.' Wilson then revealed the first song of the film F*** My Life and she would be releasing it for her fans to listen to 'because if these f***wits aren't going to release the movie I may as well'. She also doubled down on previous accusations she made against Ghost, Cameron, and Holden, which they have since denied and included in both their defamation lawsuits against the Pitch Perfect star. The star continued: '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 recognized for their sensational work! 'At least we had the Toronto premiere—and at least now you can all see the opening of the film. Posting it now! Rebs x' Wilson then made good on her promise and proceeded to post the opening song of The Deb. Reports of the second lawsuit filed in Australia emerged on Thursday. Holden, Cameron and Ghost claimed Wilson falsely accused them of embezzling the film's funds and engaging in 'inappropriate conduct' with MacInnes, reported The Australian. Wilson's also being sued for defamation in the U.S. courts by the three producers, who accused her of injurious falsehood, misleading and deceptive conduct and breaches of contract and director's duties. They also alleged Wilson threatened the Australian distributor of the film, Kismet, by seeking an injunction to block its release.
