Rebel Wilson is set to testify in September as part of a legal battle with the production company behind her directorial debut, the musical comedy The Deb, after accusations of breaching contract, misleading statements, and injurious falsehoods. The case, unfolding in the NSW Supreme Court, has been further complicated by Wilson’s recent changes in legal representation, drawing criticism from the production company’s barrister.
AI Film Production is suing Wilson and her firm, Camp Sugar, alleging financial losses stemming from the delayed release of the film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024. Sue Chrysanthou SC, representing AI Film Production, told the court on Tuesday that Wilson’s decision to dismiss her previous legal team shortly before a directions hearing was unexplained. “No explanation has been provided… for the timing of that decision and why she couldn’t wait until today to make that decision,” Chrysanthou stated, adding that there was no justification for not having replacement counsel immediately available.
Wilson’s novel barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, conceded that Wilson had failed to comply with court orders to produce evidence, but suggested a question of good faith might be relevant to the dealings between the parties. But, he admitted, “I don’t know what we say that context was.”
The film’s release, initially slated for April, remains blocked by the ongoing legal dispute. AI Film Production is seeking damages for lost revenue, but Chrysanthou noted that calculating those losses is impossible until box office figures can be assessed upon the film’s eventual release. Wilson has already been paid over AU$1 million for her combined roles as actor, director, and producer on the project.
A two-week hearing is scheduled to begin on September 14, during which four witnesses are expected to testify, including Wilson herself, as well as producers Amanda Ghost and Vince Holden, and actress Charlotte MacInnes.
The legal challenges surrounding The Deb extend beyond the dispute with AI Film Production. Wilson is currently facing a defamation suit in the Federal Court brought by MacInnes over social media posts alleging sexual harassment. Wilson maintains her claims, despite MacInnes’ denials. Simultaneously, Ghost and Holden have filed a defamation lawsuit against Wilson in California, alleging embezzlement, sexual harassment of MacInnes, and obstruction of the film’s release. A judge in California indicated in January that Wilson’s counter-suit would likely be dismissed.
