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Rebel Wilson hits back at second lawsuit filed by The Deb producers, shares song amid ongoing legal battle

Kimberley BraddishThe Nightly
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Rebel Wilson has responded defiantly to a second lawsuit brought by the producers of her directorial debut film, The Deb.
Camera IconRebel Wilson has responded defiantly to a second lawsuit brought by the producers of her directorial debut film, The Deb. Credit: Instagram

Rebel Wilson has launched a strong rebuttal to the second lawsuit filed against her by the producers of her directorial debut The Deb, as well as releasing a song from the film called F*** My Life.

The Australian star, 45, faces claims that she made false and defamatory statements about the producers, including allegations of ‘inappropriate conduct’ toward the film’s lead Charlotte MacInnes—who has denied those accusations.

Wilson took to Instagram on Friday to call the lawsuit, filed by Vince Holden, Gregor Cameron, and Amanda Ghost in New South Wales Supreme Court, an example of “spiteful toxic behaviour.”

She wrote, “Apparently I’m being sued in Australia? It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called The Deb for five years from a three-page idea into a gorgeous feature film—I wish nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen.”

She added, “To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I’m so proud of the film!” Wilson blamed the UK financiers—Ghost, Cameron, and Holden—for what she called continuous bullying and harassment, accusing them of attempting to block the film’s release both in the US and Australia after failing to prevent its Toronto premiere.

“It’s been a year since the film has been completed and ready to go in cinemas,” she said.

“Instead, in my opinion, they have continued this spiteful toxic behaviour.” Wilson stressed it was “imperative the movie is released” and expressed sadness over the hard work of “so many Australians” being wasted.

She noted that as financiers, the producers have contractual power to distribute or sell the film—but “they haven’t done so.”

Rebel Instagram 2
Camera IconRebel Instagram 2 Credit: Rebel Instagram 2
Rebel Instagram 4
Camera IconRebel Instagram 4 Credit: Rebel Instagram 4

Wilson then revealed she would release the film’s first song, “F*** My Life,” for fans “because if these f***wits aren’t going to release the movie I may as well.”

She also stood by previous accusations against the producers, which form the basis of both the US and Australian defamation lawsuits against her.

Wilson concluded, “I’ve moved on, now directing my second movie and loving it. But regarding The Deb, all I can literally say is ‘F*** My Life’ with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me knows I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I’m a ‘truth teller’ when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work!”

Reports about the second Australian lawsuit surfaced on Thursday, with the producers accusing Wilson of making false statements about them, including claims of embezzling funds and inappropriate conduct toward Ms MacInnes. The producers additionally allege Wilson threatened the film’s Australian distributor, Kismet, by seeking an injunction to block the release.

Wilson has been outspoken about the dispute and re-shared footage of Ms MacInnes performing at Cannes, commenting on the actress’s alleged continued professional ties to one of the producers.

Ms MacInnes categorically denied the misconduct allegations and called Wilson’s claims “completely false and absurd,” asserting that nothing she told Wilson should have conveyed any report of wrongdoing.

The legal battle remains ongoing, with Wilson fighting allegations that threaten to stall the release of her much-anticipated film.

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