Rebel Wilson loses bid to dismiss defamation lawsuit in ‘The Deb’ dispute

Rebel Wilson's attempt to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by the producers of her directorial debut, The Deb, has been denied by a Los Angeles Superior Court. Judge Thomas Long ruled that the actress’s claims of sexual harassment and embezzlement, made in an Instagram video and other contexts, do not qualify as protected free speech under California’s anti-SLAPP statute.

The producers, Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden, allege that Wilson defamed them to gain creative control and force the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Wilson had previously accused the producers of inappropriate behavior toward the film’s lead actress and embezzling approximately AU $900,000 from the budget. However, lead actress Charlotte MacInnes denied these allegations, stating in court that Wilson’s claims were baseless and made her feel bullied by the director.

While Wilson countersued in October, alleging theft, bullying, and harassment by the producers, her legal team plans to appeal the recent ruling. Camille Vasquez, attorney for the producers, commended the court’s decision, calling Wilson’s dismissal motion a “cynical attempt” to suppress valid legal claims.