Australian actor Rebel Wilson has appeared in Sydney court, facing allegations from producers that she sabotaged her directorial debut, the 2024 musical comedy “The Deb.” AI Film Production Limited, the Britain-based company, is suing Wilson in the New South Wales state Supreme Court. They allege she undermined and blocked the film's release, causing the company financial and reputational damage.
The film's release was initially shelved in 2024 after Wilson reportedly fell out with co-producers Amanda Ghost, Greg Cameron, and Vince Holden. "The Deb" was eventually released in April of this year.
AI Film claims Wilson and her company, Camp Sugar Productions, breached consumer law and contracts by making allegedly defamatory statements about them to her 11 million Instagram followers. The producers also accused Wilson of preventing the film's release by hindering negotiations with potential distributors and threatening an injunction against its screening in Australia.
AI Film is seeking unspecified damages, an apology from Wilson for misleading and deceptive conduct, and corrective advertising. Wilson, known for the “Pitch Perfect” and “Bridesmaids” films, was present in court, typing on her phone as her lawyer questioned the first witness, Holden.
In a cross-claim, Wilson and Camp Sugar Productions have alleged that the co-producers' involvement in the film was characterized by a pattern of illicit and egregious behaviors, including theft, bullying, and sexual misconduct. Wilson also claims that Ghost broke verbal agreements regarding writing credits and a soundtrack album deal. Additionally, Wilson alleges that Cameron and Holden embezzled approximately 900,000 Australian dollars (about $642,000) from a joint venture company established for the movie's production.
This legal battle follows a defamation suit Wilson previously won in the Federal Court in Sydney in July. That case was brought by Charlotte MacInnes, an Australian actor who starred in “The Deb.” MacInnes had alleged that Wilson defamed her or breached her confidence in social media posts between July 2024 and July 2025. MacInnes claimed Wilson falsely suggested she had withdrawn a sexual harassment complaint against Ghost to advance her career. A judge ultimately ruled that none of Wilson's posts were defamatory, finding that MacInnes had denied ever making such a complaint.