An Australian court has cleared actress Rebel Wilson in a defamation case brought by a younger actress, Charlotte MacInnes. The case centered on a disputed conversation following an incident in September 2023.
MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost were swimming at Bondi Beach when Ghost experienced an allergic reaction to the cold water. They then returned to Ghost's rented apartment, where MacInnes ran a bath. Ghost joined her in the bath, and both were wearing swimsuits. Ghost's assistant brought them hot drinks and briefly sat with them.
Later, Wilson reportedly spoke with MacInnes about the bath incident. Both sides agree a conversation occurred, but its content is disputed. Wilson stated MacInnes expressed feeling "uncomfortable," a claim MacInnes denies, asserting she described the situation as "weird" or "strange and bizarre."
Lawyers for MacInnes argued that Wilson had "mischaracterized and exploited" the incident and that her relationship with Wilson deteriorated during the filming of "The Deb" in the months following. They further claimed Wilson had orchestrated a smear website targeting Ghost, which Wilson denied.
However, Wilson's legal team contended that MacInnes had not suffered harm from any posts, citing a recent record deal she signed. In her decision, Justice Raper noted the unusual circumstances of the bath incident, stating, "To say that the circumstance surrounding how they came to be in the bath are unusual would be an understatement."
The judge found that MacInnes had not established that the posts caused or were likely to cause serious harm. Following the decision, Wilson posted on Instagram, expressing that the "process has taught me a lot." She added that she wants to "live my life standing up for what I believe is right, while continuing to create work that brings people joy." Wilson also conveyed gratitude to her supporters, the judge, and the Australian legal system.