Rebel Wilson is currently engaged in a legal dispute with producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden regarding her film “The Deb.” In July 2024, all three producers filed a defamation lawsuit against Wilson in Los Angeles Superior Court. They claim she accused them of theft, bullying, and sexual misconduct in a post to her 11 million Instagram followers.
Details of the Dispute
Wilson, in her legal response, has countersued the producers. She accuses them of a “troubling pattern” of misbehavior, including inflation of the film’s budget and alleged embezzlement of the excess funds. The film, released in 2024, marked Wilson’s directorial debut and was filmed in her home country, Australia. She also implicates Unigram Media Ltd., a company partially owned by Ghost and Cameron, in her countersuit, which she claims played a role in the producers’ misconduct.
Jurisdictional Challenges
At the center of the conflict is a motion filed by the producers seeking to quash the service of summons related to Unigram. Their attorneys assert that Unigram is a British entity with no connections to California, arguing that the state’s court lacks jurisdiction over it. Camille M. Vasquez, the lead attorney for the producers, previously represented Johnny Depp in his defamation case against Amber Heard.
Conversely, Wilson’s legal team rebuffs these claims. They argue that the producers cannot claim jurisdiction in California while also suing Wilson there. They contend that Unigram has significant ties to California, evidenced by its activities related to the film before and after production.
Allegations of Misconduct
- Wilson’s countersuit includes allegations of inappropriate behavior by Ghost towards an actress involved in “The Deb.”
- She claims that Ghost suggested sharing a bath or shower with this actress.
- Wilson’s legal representation plans to conduct discovery to present evidence related to the producers’ alleged misconduct.
The legal back-and-forth continues, with Wilson highlighting her rights under California’s anti-SLAPP statute. This law aims to prevent individuals from using lawsuits to intimidate those who exercise their First Amendment rights.
Current Status of the Case
In November 2024, a judge denied Wilson’s dismissal motion regarding the producers’ original claims. This decision is currently under appeal. Wilson’s team argues that the plaintiffs should remain bound by their choice to bring the lawsuit in California, asserting jurisdiction and venue are appropriate due to the nature of the actions involved.
The evolving legal situation surrounding Rebel Wilson and the producers of “The Deb” underscores the complexities involved in such defamation cases, particularly regarding jurisdiction and allegations of misconduct.
