Rebel Wilson's PR Team Called Her 'Nuts' Over Alleged Smear Campaign, Court Hears
Actor Rebel Wilson was labelled "nuts" by a crisis PR team she allegedly hired to create websites attacking co-producer Amanda Ghost, according to testimony in a federal court hearing. The Pitch Perfect star has consistently denied any involvement in the creation of the malicious websites, which are at the center of a defamation lawsuit filed by actor Charlotte MacInnes.
Defamation Lawsuit Details
Wilson is being sued by MacInnes, the lead actor in Wilson's directorial debut The Deb, over social media posts that claimed MacInnes made a sexual harassment complaint against co-producer Amanda Ghost. MacInnes vehemently denies ever making such a complaint and argues that Wilson's suggestions she withdrew the allegation in exchange for a lead role and record deal have caused significant harm.
"This is a malignant allegation against my client that she sold the allegation of sexual harassment in exchange for her own professional and commercial benefit," MacInnes's barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC told the court.
Alleged Smear Campaign
The court heard that the smear websites, created by The Agency Group, attacked Ghost with false claims including allegations of sex trafficking. Wilson allegedly became a client of the crisis management team in July 2024, months after MacInnes supposedly made the complaint, according to testimony from former The Agency Group employee Katie Case.
Text messages between agency staff referred to Wilson as "fucking nuts," the federal court was told on Tuesday. Case testified that her boss Melissa Nathan instructed her in August that Wilson wanted one of "those sites" created, specifying it should be "really really harsh ... making her a madam basically lol."
Website Creation Process
Case responded with "Oh my god lol ok this one will be fun" and understood she was being asked to draft copy for a takedown website that could "be used as a tool to aid attorneys in ongoing litigation." She was provided with a fully drafted Word document that she edited and supplemented with content suggested by colleagues.
While Case had no idea who authored the original document, metadata later revealed it had been created under the name of Wilson's company. However, Case acknowledged that anyone could have written or edited the document before it reached her. The PR agent testified she had never met or spoken directly to Wilson.
Legal Arguments and Context
Wilson's barrister Dauid Sibtain SC argued that "the websites are a distraction" from what he called "the critical issue in this case ... that Ms MacInnes did in fact make a complaint to Ms Wilson."
More details emerged about the aftermath of the alleged complaint through testimony from Ghost's friend, theatrical producer Carmen Pavlovic. She recounted how Ghost had a medical episode at Bondi beach in September 2023 and was assisted by MacInnes before they shared a bath wearing their swimmers.
Pavlovic told the court that Ghost seemed angry and very upset with MacInnes after Wilson claimed the young actor had complained about feeling uncomfortable. While the producer and Wilson suggested MacInnes might be "troublemaking," Pavlovic encouraged them to follow proper processes to ensure the young actor felt heard, saying "I was concerned things could blow up if they weren't properly clarified."
Broader Legal Context
Ghost's husband and co-producer on The Deb, Gregor Cameron, is set to testify, with both producers embroiled in a separate lawsuit against Wilson in the NSW Supreme Court. The musical comedy film The Deb was finally released in Australia in April after legal issues prevented its widespread release following its 2024 film festival premiere.
The defamation trial continues as the court examines the complex web of allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the film's production and the relationships between its key players.
