Rebel accused of smear sites

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Australian actor Rebel Wilson is being sued in the Federal Court by co-star Charlotte MacInnes for allegedly making defamatory statements on social media that damaged MacInnes's reputation. The case will examine accusations of dishonesty, a coordinated smear campaign, and conflicting accounts of a controversial incident involving producer Amanda Ghost, with a full hearing scheduled for Monday.

Australian actor Rebel Wilson is facing legal action in the Federal Court over allegations of defamation linked to a dispute with co-star Charlotte MacInnes. The case centers on social media posts made by Wilson that MacInnes’s legal team says contain false and damaging claims about her conduct and motives.

MacInnes, 25, who appeared alongside Wilson in the 2021 film *The Deb*, has initiated proceedings over posts and public comments that allegedly assert she lied when denying a sexual harassment complaint against producer Amanda Ghost. According to court documents, MacInnes’s lawyers argue the posts imply she fabricated her denial to secure a lead role in another project produced by Ghost.

In addition to disputing MacInnes’s statements, Wilson is accused of orchestrating a broader smear campaign involving attack websites targeting Ghost and others, including MacInnes. Counsel for MacInnes, barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC, alleged in court that Wilson, through her former lawyer and a public relations firm, arranged for these sites to publish damaging and false allegations against multiple individuals. Chrysanthou described Wilson’s conduct as “shameless” and “deceitful” and pointed out similarities between the content of Wilson’s posts and the material on the websites. Wilson denies any involvement in the creation or dissemination of these websites.

At the heart of the dispute is an incident in September 2023 at Bondi, which MacInnes’s legal team claims involved Ghost experiencing a medical episode. MacInnes allegedly assisted by running a hot bath for Ghost at her apartment. Wilson’s court filings assert that MacInnes showered and bathed alongside Ghost during this time and characterize the behaviour as “completely inappropriate and unacceptable.” Wilson maintains MacInnes later told her that the incident caused discomfort.

Conversely, MacInnes contends Wilson falsely stated to Ghost that she had made a complaint about the incident and that MacInnes actually indicated to Wilson she was not distressed by what had occurred. Wilson alleges MacInnes lied about her feelings on the matter.

Further claims from MacInnes’s lawyers pertain to social media posts by Wilson that allegedly suggested MacInnes supported efforts to block the release of *The Deb* in exchange for a recording contract. While Wilson acknowledges posting some of the content, she denies the posts carried defamatory intent or meaning.

The Federal Court is scheduled to hear the matter in full on Monday, which will address accusations of defamation, dishonesty, and the role of Wilson and her associates in the alleged smear campaign. Both parties remain opposed on key facts and implications arising from their dispute.