Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has strongly denied accusations that she orchestrated a cyber attack on her co-star's social media account, which allegedly led to the leak of a nude photo. The denial came during her testimony at the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney on Thursday, where she is being sued for defamation by Charlotte MacInnes, the 27-year-old lead actor of Wilson's directorial debut, 'The Deb'.
Accusations and Denials
MacInnes claims she was defamed by Wilson in social media posts that suggested she is a liar who retracted a sexual harassment complaint to further her acting and music career. Wilson, however, alleges that MacInnes confided in her about feeling uncomfortable when the film's co-producer Amanda Ghost asked to have a shower and a bath together in September 2023, but later changed her story. MacInnes denies making or walking back any complaint, insisting she never expressed discomfort.
During the court proceedings, MacInnes revealed that her Snapchat account had been breached and an attempt was made to breach her Facebook account just days after she filed legal proceedings against Wilson in September 2025. In her affidavit, MacInnes stated, 'I believe that this was orchestrated by Rebel. It was completely terrifying and caused me a new kind of anxiety.'
Wilson's Response
When questioned about the alleged cyber attack, Wilson responded, 'That is an absolutely outrageous statement to make in court that I moonlight as a hacker.' She further denied directing anyone else to carry out the hack, retorting, 'Obviously not.' Wilson also labeled an accusation of stalking the young actor to ascertain her whereabouts as 'outrageous'.
MacInnes' barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, suggested that Wilson raised the alleged complaint with others after she knew MacInnes had said it was 'all good' for her own purposes. Wilson countered, 'I received no benefit from this experience that led to a court case. All I have done is told the truth at significant cost to myself, at significant detriment.' She claimed she had been bullied and harassed for continuing to tell the truth to people, some of whom were extremely rich and powerful.
Commercial Dispute Allegations
Chrysanthou previously argued that Wilson falsely portrayed herself as a whistleblower who sought to protect MacInnes, when she had instead used the alleged complaint as leverage in a commercial dispute with her co-producers. Wilson rejected this claim and any accusations of bullying, stating she regards herself as a champion of women.
Wilson's barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, contends that MacInnes made the complaint and then changed her story to ensure her career thrived with Ghost's assistance. He argued that MacInnes' career has progressed and she has not suffered any harm to her reputation as a result of the social media posts, contrary to her allegations.
PR Firm Involvement
Wilson has denied having any involvement in ordering or authoring websites that described the producer as the 'Indian Ghislaine Maxwell' and a sex trafficker. She stated that her former US lawyer hired The Agency Group to assist her in a legal dispute with her co-producers but insisted the firm had not been commissioned to work for her. The firm is also accused of creating smear websites attacking Hollywood actor Blake Lively on behalf of her co-star Justin Baldoni.
Wilson was asked to produce communications between her and employees of The Agency Group, including a text chain with chief executive Melissa Nathan. Chrysanthou also called for receipts for payments to the PR firm. An unsigned letter of agreement tendered to the court shows that Wilson's US lawyer retained The Agency Group for strategic communication services, with a payment of $25,000 USD per month. Wilson said the agreement had been sent to her lawyer despite being addressed to her, rejecting suggestions that she had been dishonest.
Trial Continues
Wilson also denied accusations that she raised MacInnes' alleged complaint after it had been resolved to get her way during a dispute with her co-producers. The trial continues. In Australia, support is available at Full Stop Australia (1800 385 578). In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html.
