A rising star suing Rebel Wilson for defamation has told a federal court that she felt mocked by an Instagram post from Wilson's wife, Ramona Agruma-Wilson, which appeared to reference her testimony.
Background of the Case
Charlotte MacInnes, the lead actor in the musical comedy The Deb, launched defamation proceedings against Wilson over social media posts that claimed MacInnes had made a sexual harassment complaint and later retracted it to advance her career. The film was directed and co-produced by Wilson.
The lawsuit centers on events following a medical episode suffered by co-producer Amanda Ghost at Bondi Beach in September 2023. MacInnes helped Ghost back to their shared apartment, and the two ended up sharing a bath in their swimwear to warm up, according to MacInnes.
Wilson claims MacInnes confided that she felt uncomfortable after Ghost requested they shower and bathe together, but MacInnes denies making any such complaint. The actor says Wilson's suggestion that she withdrew the complaint in exchange for a lead role and a record deal has seriously harmed her reputation.
The Instagram Post
During her testimony on Friday, MacInnes told the court she felt her evidence was ridiculed in an Instagram story posted by Wilson's wife earlier that day. The post featured the character Dory from Finding Nemo with the caption: “I suffer from short term memory loss … or do I? I can’t remember.”
MacInnes's barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, argued that the post referenced MacInnes's responses when she could not recall details about four years of travel. MacInnes said the post made her feel “awful” and that she was being mocked for the evidence she gave.
Aggravated Damages Claim
The post is relevant to a claim for aggravated damages over the harm caused to the young actor. Both Wilson and her wife are expected to give evidence in the second week of the trial.
Ghost's Testimony
Amanda Ghost was questioned about her support for MacInnes, which included sharing another actor's audition tape to help her. MacInnes previously told the court she was grateful for Ghost's encouragement but was distressed when Ghost distanced herself after Wilson aired the alleged complaint. MacInnes said it was important Ghost knew she never made a complaint, as it would have harmed their relationship.
MacInnes claims her reputation has been seriously damaged by suggestions in the social media posts that she is untrustworthy and prioritized her career over the cast and crew of The Deb. Wilson denies the posts are defamatory and argues that MacInnes's career has not been adversely affected.
The key issue, according to Wilson's barrister Dauid Sibtain SC, is not whether MacInnes was sexually harassed but whether she made a complaint and then withdrew it. “Our case is that … she changed her story,” he said. “She did so to ensure her career as an actress and musician progressed by appeasing Ms Ghost.” The trial continues.
