Rebel Wilson Defamation Trial: Actor's $150K Record Deal Revealed in Court
Rebel Wilson arrived at court in Sydney on April 20, as actor Charlotte MacInnes sues her for defamation over social media posts. The case centers on allegations that Wilson's online activity damaged MacInnes's career, but new evidence presented in federal court suggests a significant professional development for the plaintiff.
Record Deal Amid Legal Battle
Charlotte MacInnes, who plays a lead role in the musical film The Deb, secured a $150,000 record deal with Atlantic Records in late 2025, according to testimony from her manager Shoshanna Stone. The deal includes an advance of $110,000 USD (approximately $154,000 AUD) and provisions for two EPs. Stone, whose high-profile clients include Britney Spears, Shakira, Boy George, and Alicia Keys, told the court she signed MacInnes after being informed of her talent by Amanda Ghost, co-producer of The Deb.
Wilson's barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, argued that MacInnes hasn't suffered career harm since the first social media post in September 2024, pointing to this record deal as evidence. MacInnes's second single is due for release, though her manager rejected suggestions it was timed to coincide with the court proceedings.
Defamation Allegations and Emotional Impact
MacInnes is suing Wilson over social media posts that allegedly claimed she made a sexual harassment complaint about bathing with co-producer Amanda Ghost, then withdrew it in exchange for acting and music opportunities. The posts, visible to Wilson's 11 million followers for 24 hours, suggested MacInnes was a liar who traded sexual favors, according to an affidavit from Hannah Reilly, co-writer of The Deb.
Reilly described MacInnes as a talented, enthusiastic actor who has been irrevocably "hardened" by the posts. MacInnes confided that the experience took away her innocence and trust, leading to vivid nightmares, panic attacks, and periods of not eating. "She has expressed to me it has been an all-consuming nightmarish force in her life," Reilly wrote, noting MacInnes now exhibits constant vigilance and anxiety.
Legal Defenses and Film Context
Wilson denies the posts are defamatory and maintains that MacInnes did make the complaint before retracting it to secure her future by appeasing Ghost. The Deb, released in Australia earlier in April after legal delays, is a musical film that premiered at a 2024 festival but faced distribution issues. The case highlights tensions in the Australian film industry, with MacInnes arguing her reputation as a "bright star in the making" was damaged before she could benefit from her first feature film role.
The trial continues as both sides present evidence on the impact of social media on careers and personal well-being in the entertainment world.
