Charlotte Macinnes defamation case against Rebel Wilson closes in Sydney

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• “Fantastical Liar” Label Stuns Courtroom
• The Bath Incident at Bondi
• Wilson Defends Herself with Career Evidence
• What Will Judge Decide? Understanding the Legal Road Ahead
  • Sources

Charlotte Macinnes defamation case against Rebel Wilson just closed in Sydney Federal Court. The Pitch Perfect star was branded a “fantastical liar” during explosive final submissions. Justice Elizabeth Raper is expected to reserve her decision soon.

“Fantastical Liar” Label Stuns Courtroom

Sue Chrysanthou SC, barrister for Charlotte Macinnes, delivered blistering closing submissions on Friday. She accused Wilson of a “complete revision of history” littered with dishonesty. The characterization shocked observers as she branded the Bridesmaids star a “fantastical liar who made up terrible, terrible allegations.”

Chrysanthou highlighted glaring inconsistencies in Wilson‘s testimony contradicted by other witnesses. She argued Wilson fabricated claims deliberately to divide MacInnes and Ghost. The barrister emphasized that MacInnes has suffered devastating emotional harm since the social media attacks.

The Bath Incident at Bondi

The case centers on what happened in September 2023 when MacInnes and Ghost, a producer on The Deb, went swimming at Bondi Beach. Ghost experienced an allergic reaction causing red welts and severe shaking. Both women returned to Ghost‘s luxury beachside apartment.

Ghost showered while MacInnes ran a bath to warm up. Both wore swimsuits when Ghost joined the bath briefly. The court heard Ghost‘s assistant brought hot drinks and sat with them. Wilson claimed MacInnes told her the incident felt uncomfortable, but MacInnes strenuously denies ever making or retracting a harassment complaint.

Case Element	Details
Plaintiff	Charlotte Macinnes, 27
Defendant	Rebel Wilson (director, actor, co-producer)
Court	Federal Court of Australia, Sydney
Trial Duration	Over three weeks of testimony

“She is a fantastical liar who has made up terrible, terrible allegations about multiple people and her own witnesses have discredited her. We say Ms Wilson cannot be believed on anything she has said.”

— Sue Chrysanthou SC, Barrister for Charlotte Macinnes

Wilson Defends Herself with Career Evidence

Wilson‘s attorney, Dauid Sibtain SC, presented a contrasting narrative during his closing remarks. He argued that MacInnes‘s career has actually flourished since the social media posts, not suffered. Wilson testified she observed MacInnes on international trips and in luxury hotels.

Wilson claimed MacInnes received substantial professional benefits following the incident, including a six-figure record deal and expanded acting roles through Ghost. Sibtain contended that MacInnes changed her story to gain career advantages that later materialized, directly contradicting claims of reputational harm.

What Will Judge Decide? Understanding the Legal Road Ahead

Justice Elizabeth Raper is expected to reserve her decision, meaning she will take time to deliberate before announcing her verdict. The judge must determine whether Wilson‘s Instagram posts truly defamed MacInnes or constituted protected truth defense. MacInnes is seeking aggravated damages for harm to her reputation and emotional distress caused by the allegations.

The case also intersects with two additional lawsuits Wilson faces in Australia and the United States, both brought by The Deb producers including Ghost. The entertainment industry watches closely as courts determine accountability for celebrities involved in defamation disputes over contentious social media claims.

Sources

• BBC News – Reporting on “complete revision of history” accusations and court testimony from May 8, 2026
• The Guardian – Coverage of “fantastical liar” court statements and closing arguments in defamation trial
• Sydney Morning Herald – Legal affairs reporting on final day of defamation fight in Federal Court