In a surprising turn of events, Australian actor Rebel Wilson’s bid to have a defamation case against her thrown out by a Los Angeles court has been rejected. The case, brought by the producers of Wilson’s directorial debut film “The Deb,” centers around accusations made by the star on her Instagram account in July.
Court Denies Anti-SLAPP Motion
Wilson’s legal team had argued that her public statements constituted protected activity under California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws. They maintained that the allegations, which included claims of sexual misconduct, embezzlement, and unlawful detainment against the producers, were a matter of public interest.
However, Judge Thomas Long ruled that Wilson’s accusations were made “in the context of [her] private business dispute with [the] plaintiffs surrounding the production and premiere of the film.” He noted that despite the criminal nature of some allegations, Wilson had not sought any criminal prosecution, suggesting the dispute centered around a letter of demand sent by the actor to the producers.
Appeal Imminent, Says Wilson’s Attorney
In response to the court’s decision, Wilson’s attorney Bryan Freedman announced that an immediate appeal would be lodged. “Posting a video addressing the highly anticipated premiere of The Deb at the Toronto international film festival and widespread misconduct in the entertainment industry, which are unmistakably ‘matters of public interest’, constitutes a protected activity,” Freedman stated.
“We are more than confident that the court of appeals will rule in our favour.”
– Bryan Freedman, Rebel Wilson’s Attorney
Producers Gratified by Ruling
On the other side of the legal battle, the producers’ attorney Camille Vasquez, known for successfully defending Johnny Depp in his defamation case against Amber Heard, called Wilson’s anti-SLAPP motion “a cynical attempt to stifle a valid legal claim.” She expressed her clients’ gratification with the court’s ruling, which allows them to proceed with the defamation case.
“We look forward to seeing Ms. Wilson in court.”
– Camille Vasquez, The Deb Producers’ Attorney
Allegations and Threats Fly
The legal battle has been marked by escalating accusations from both sides. According to statements filed by Vasquez, Wilson sent the producers a series of threatening emails after they initiated the defamation action, warning she was poised for “going public.” Two days later, an anonymous website surfaced, featuring what Vasquez termed “grotesque lies” about producer Amanda Ghost.
Adding another layer to the dispute, The Deb lead actor Charlotte MacInnes, who had been at the center of Wilson’s sexual misconduct accusations against Ghost and her husband, filed a declaration stating she had become “deeply disturbed” by Wilson’s on-set behavior. MacInnes called the director’s allegations “completely false and absurd.”
High Stakes in Hollywood
As the case moves forward, the stakes are high for both Wilson and the producers. Defamation suits in the entertainment industry can lead to substantial damages and have far-reaching implications for the parties’ reputations and careers.
With Wilson’s appeal pending and both sides digging in their heels, the legal drama surrounding “The Deb” shows no signs of abating. As the battle plays out in the courts and the court of public opinion, observers will be watching closely to see how this latest Hollywood power struggle unfolds.
