Rebel Wilson defeats defamation claim brought by The Deb star Charlotte MacInnes

The facts

Actor Charlotte MacInnes (28), brought a defamation suit against Hollywood actor and director Rebel Wilson.

The dispute arose following a 2023 incident at Bondi Beach involving Ms MacInnes and film producer/financier Amanda Ghost (51). Ms Ghost experienced a severe skin reaction after an ocean swim, leading both women to share a bath in their swimwear to warm up.

Ms Wilson claimed Ms MacInnes told her the following day that she felt “uncomfortable” during the bath incident, which Ms Wilson characterized as a workplace sexual harassment complaint. Ms MacInnes denied ever making such a complaint.

In July 2024, Ms Wilson published a series of social media posts (and hosted content via a PR website) suggesting Ms MacInnes had recanted her account of sexual harassment in exchange for career advancement, acting, and singing opportunities provided by Ms Ghost.

Ms MacInnes sued Ms Wilson in the Federal Court of Australia, seeking general and aggravated damages for harm caused to her reputation.

Federal Court’s decision

While one social media post conveyed an imputation regarding Ms MacInnes, Justice Raper determined it was not defamatory, stating that asserting someone “changed their story” is not objectively defamatory according to community standards.

Furthermore, Ms MacInnes failed to establish that the post caused, or was likely to cause, serious harm to her reputation.

Full article: https://sterlinglawqld.com/rebel-wilson-defends-defamation-claim-brought-by-the-deb-star-charlotte-macinnes/