Rebel Wilson Accused of Discarding Phone to Avoid Producing Messages in Defamation Trial
A lawyer accused Rebel Wilson of intentionally discarding her mobile phone to avoid providing text messages during a defamation hearing in Federal Court. Wilson is being sued by Charlotte MacInnes, the lead actor in her film The Deb, over alleged false statements in social media posts and a website.
Developments Rebel Wilson faced accusations from a lawyer during her second day of testimony in a Federal Court defamation trial on Wednesday. The lawyer, Sue Chrysanthou SC, representing Charlotte MacInnes, suggested Wilson had "dumped" her phone to avoid handing over key text messages.
Wilson's legal team previously informed the court that the phone was stolen in London in July 2025, resulting in incomplete WhatsApp message backups. Wilson explained in court that WhatsApp was not backed up to iCloud and some text message chains were not fully preserved.
" Her lawyer, Dauid Sibtain SC, objected to the line of questioning, describing it as offensive, intimidating, and humiliating, and noted that a police report had been provided.
the Case Charlotte MacInnes is suing Wilson for allegedly falsifying stories about her in social media posts and on a website described as a fake "take-down" site. MacInnes accuses Wilson of claiming she was sexually harassed by producer Amanda Ghost in a 2023 incident in Bondi involving a bathtub.
Wilson is also accused of posting that MacInnes changed her story to gain work opportunities, such as a recording contract. During testimony, the court reviewed text messages from May 2023 between Wilson and MacInnes. In the exchange, Wilson called MacInnes "terribly rude" for not attending a showing of Oklahoma!
in London after receiving a ticket and not responding to messages. MacInnes replied with an apology, stating she had no Wi-Fi access.
Disputes Wilson denied that her text was bullying when asked in court. She also provided evidence of disputes with Amanda Ghost and two other producers over the budget of The Deb, accusing them of embezzling funds. On Tuesday, Chrysanthou accused Wilson of lying multiple times, including during testimony and in a 60 Minutes interview about the case.
Wilson maintained that her evidence was truthful. Outside court on Wednesday, Wilson declined to comment on the case due to respect for the legal process but thanked supporters from The Deb cast.
“Because I have such respect for the legal process, I'm not allowed to comment about anything whilst the trial is continuing.”
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- Wednesday (recent)
Rebel Wilson testified on her second day, facing accusations of discarding her phone and responding to questions about text messages.
1 sourceAbc - Tuesday (recent)
The lawyer accused Wilson of lying multiple times during cross-examination and in a 60 Minutes interview.
1 sourceAbc - July 2025
Wilson's phone was stolen in London, leading to inability to produce full WhatsApp message history.
1 sourceAbc - May 2023
Wilson and MacInnes exchanged texts about attending an Oklahoma! showing, with Wilson calling MacInnes rude.
1 sourceAbc - 2023
Alleged sexual harassment incident involving MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost occurred in Bondi.
1 sourceAbc
Potential Impact
- 01
The trial outcome could affect Rebel Wilson's reputation and future film projects.
- 02
Charlotte MacInnes may receive damages if the court rules in her favor on defamation claims.
- 03
Public perception of involved parties might shift based on trial testimony.
- 04
Production of The Deb could face delays or changes due to revealed budget disputes.
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