Rebel Wilson Wins Nominal Damages in New South Wales Supreme Court
Actor Rebel Wilson won a bitter legal dispute over her musical comedy film The Deb on Friday, when Justice Elisabeth Peden of the New South Wales supreme court awarded her co-producers a mere A$10 (US$7, £5) in damages and otherwise dismissed their summons. Wilson directed, co-produced, and starred in the $22m project, which has faced a cascade of legal battles in Australia and the United States.
The musical comedy made just $335,000 (US$235,000, £175,284) at the local box office and has not yet screened outside Oceania. Wilson’s co-producers—Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden—alleged that this financial shortfall stemmed directly from false and derogatory statements Wilson posted online.
Allegations of Embezzlement and Financial Damage
In July 2024, the Bridesmaids star claimed publicly that producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden tried to block the release of The Deb, embezzled money, and behaved inappropriately toward the film’s star, Charlotte MacInnes. In response, the producers asserted that Wilson caused significant financial and reputational damage to their company. They argued her online statements were an attempt to devalue her debut film so she could buy it from them.
Wilson denied those allegations and filed a countersuit. She claimed her co-producers engaged in a troubling pattern of illicit and egregious behaviors, including theft, bullying, and sexual misconduct. Justice Peden ruled in favor of Wilson’s countersuit on Friday, awarding her $359,000 (US$251,830, £187,868) plus interest. A detailed written judgment will follow the brief decision.
Legal Costs and Personal Toll on the Director
Following the court’s decision, Wilson posted a photo on Instagram wearing a graduation gown and holding a degree from the University of NSW. “This girl never knew how much she was going to need that law degree!!” she wrote on the platform. “I spoke up because I believed there were serious concerns that needed to be raised on my film The Deb.”
Wilson acknowledged that defending herself carried an enormous personal, emotional, and financial cost. She added that she struggled to remain positive throughout the proceedings and thanked her family and followers for their support.
Previous Defamation Claims Involving Charlotte MacInnes
The recent ruling marks Wilson’s second legal victory related to the production. Earlier this year, she was cleared of defaming Charlotte MacInnes following a fiery federal court hearing. MacInnes had claimed Wilson defamed her in four social media posts that implied she was a liar and a sellout who walked back a sexual harassment complaint to advance her career.
Those posts alleged that MacInnes confided in Wilson—and later recanted—that she felt uncomfortable when co-producer Amanda Ghost asked to share a bath and a shower together. MacInnes denied making or retracting any complaint. She explained that she had not been uncomfortable when she and Ghost shared a bath in their swimwear after Ghost suffered a medical episode in September 2023. That earlier federal court decision remains under appeal.
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