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Entertainment
Apr 28, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Rebel Wilson Denies Involvement in Defamation Websites Amid Federal Court Trial

AI Summary
Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson testified in a Sydney Federal Court hearing that she neither authored nor commissioned the smear websites targeting producer Amanda Ghost. The case, brought by actress Charlotte MacInnes, centers on alleged defamation linked to a disputed sexual‑harassment complaint.

In a dramatic appearance before the Federal Court in Sydney on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, Rebel Wilson flatly denied any role in creating or ordering the defamatory websites that have been used to attack producer Amanda Ghost and other industry figures.

The Trial’s Core Allegations

  • Plaintiff: Australian actress Charlotte MacInnes, known for the musical comedy The Deb.
  • Claim: Wilson allegedly used social‑media posts and a crisis‑PR firm to spread false claims that MacInnes retracted a sexual‑harassment complaint to secure a lead role and a record deal.
  • Defence: Wilson testified that her U.S. lawyer hired The Agency Group for unrelated legal matters and that the firm never acted on her behalf to produce the smear sites.

Legal Stakes and Potential Financial Exposure

  • The defamation suit could result in compensatory damages if the court finds the statements false and damaging to MacInnes’s reputation.
  • While no specific monetary figure has been disclosed, Australian defamation awards can reach several million Australian dollars, especially when reputational harm is proven.
  • Both parties face additional legal costs from prolonged Federal Court proceedings.

Implications for Hollywood’s Defamation Landscape

  • The case highlights the growing use of online smear campaigns in intra‑industry disputes.
  • If Wilson is found liable, it may set a precedent for holding celebrities accountable for third‑party PR actions.
  • The involvement of The Agency Group, also linked to alleged smear sites against Blake Lively, could trigger broader scrutiny of crisis‑PR firms operating in the entertainment sector.

What Might Come Next for Wilson and the Parties Involved

  • The trial is ongoing; a judgment is expected later in the year.
  • Should the court rule against Wilson, she may face a settlement or an appeal, potentially affecting her upcoming projects.
  • MacInnes may seek further injunctions to remove the defamatory content from the internet.