Rebel Wilson is at the center of a heated legal battle as UK-based production company AI Film has filed a lawsuit accusing the actress of deliberately sabotaging the release of her directorial debut, The Deb, in an attempt to devalue the film and pressure stakeholders into selling their shares.
Filed in Australia, the suit also involves the Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company, with both plaintiffs claiming Wilson’s actions were part of a strategy to force them into a buyout by her own company, Camp Sugar.
In a joint statement, AI Film expressed regret over the situation but emphasized the lawsuit is necessary to ensure the film finally sees the light of day.
“These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb’s timely release. It’s a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it.”
Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes also expressed her hopes that the legal proceedings will bring the film to the public:
“I love this film and I can’t wait for it to be released… it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen.”
But Rebel Wilson isn’t staying silent. Responding on Instagram Stories, she slammed the lawsuit as “complete nonsense,” and accused the financiers — Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden — of harassment and retaliation.
“Apparently I’m being sued in Australia. It makes no sense… I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes… I’m so proud of the film!”
Wilson further claimed the financiers were trying to block the film’s release due to ongoing legal issues and said she had already moved on to directing her second film.
“This is continued bullying… I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognized for their sensational work!”
This is the latest twist in the ongoing Deb drama. In 2024, Wilson faced a defamation lawsuitafter accusing the same producers of bad behavior, fund embezzlement, and trying to block the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The producers denied all allegations and responded with a lawsuit of their own in the U.S.
As Rebel fights to get The Deb released, it seems the off-screen drama is rivaling the on-screen story.
