Rebel Wilson appears in court as ‘The Deb’ producers pursue claims over delayed release

The producers claim Wilson’s social media posts damaged their finances and reputation

Rebel Wilson has returned to court in Sydney as producers of The Deb pursue claims that she interfered with the release of her directorial debut. AI Film Production Limited is suing Wilson and her company, Camp Sugar Productions, in the New South Wales Supreme Court, alleging that statements made by Wilson contributed to financial and reputational damage.

The dispute centres on Wilson’s falling out with producers Amanda Ghost, Greg Cameron and Vince Holden. According to the producers, Wilson made allegations about inappropriate conduct towards lead actor Charlotte MacInnes, financial misconduct and attempts to prevent the film from being released. They claim her statements to her large social media following breached contracts and consumer law.

The producers also allege that Wilson interfered with negotiations involving potential distributors and threatened an injunction that could have prevented the film from being shown in Australia. AI Film is seeking damages, an apology and corrective advertising, although the amount of damages has not been specified.

Wilson and Camp Sugar have denied the allegations and filed a cross claim against the producers. Their case alleges that Ghost, Cameron and Holden were involved in conduct including theft, bullying and sexual misconduct. Wilson has also alleged that agreements concerning writing credits and a soundtrack album were broken, while claiming that Cameron and Holden embezzled A$900,000 from a joint venture established to make the film. Those allegations are disputed.

During Monday’s hearing, Holden gave evidence about the film’s financing and budget. The court heard that AI Film had planned a substantial investment in The Deb, with the production budget eventually rising above $20m. Holden also discussed a 2023 dispute over fees, including Wilson’s proposal to reduce her acting and directing fee to $1m.

The Deb, adapted from the Australian stage musical, was initially scheduled for release before its launch was delayed amid the dispute. It was eventually released in April 2026.

The latest case follows a separate defamation action brought against Wilson by MacInnes. In July 2026, a Federal Court judge dismissed MacInnes’s case over Wilson’s social media posts, finding that the relevant material was not defamatory under the legal test applied.

The producers’ case is continuing in the New South Wales Supreme Court, with the hearing adjourned until Tuesday.