Actor Charlotte MacInnes faces the prospect of bankruptcy as Rebel Wilson seeks more than $1 million in legal costs after winning a defamation case against her, the Federal Court of Australia has heard.
Ms MacInnes, 28, is appealing the judgment and is asking for any assessment of the costs to be delayed until that challenge has been decided. The appeal is expected to be heard by a full bench of the Federal Court in early 2027.
Her barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, told Justice Wendy Abraham that Ms MacInnes had been unable to find work since the case concluded and was relying on her parents for financial support.
“She has no work now,” Ms Chrysanthou said. “The judgment has disabled her from obtaining work. The only purpose of an assessment in this case is to bankrupt my client.”
Ms Chrysanthou said her client had earned an average of $38,000 a year over the previous three years, arguing that the defamation proceedings had affected her ability to secure acting roles.
She also told the court that Ms Wilson had reportedly made $20 million from her latest films and had insurance covering the proceedings, meaning she would not personally face hardship if the costs assessment were postponed.
Ms Wilson’s barrister, Dauid Sibtain SC, opposed the application. He said the actor had incurred substantial costs defending a claim that had failed and was entitled to pursue payment.
Mr Sibtain also argued that Ms MacInnes continued to have recording contracts in the UK and the US, adding: “You never know when a hit record might materialise.”
Defamation appeal against Rebel Wilson
Ms MacInnes starred in The Deb, Ms Wilson’s directorial debut, and sued over Instagram posts sent to the comedian’s 11 million followers. She claimed the posts portrayed her as a liar who had withdrawn sexual harassment allegations against producer Amanda Ghost to advance her career.
She also alleged that Ms Wilson breached confidence by disclosing the nature of any complaint. Ms Wilson won the defamation case, but Ms MacInnes will argue on appeal that relevant documents were deliberately concealed and that they showed Ms Wilson had given false evidence during the trial.
Justice Abraham reserved her decision on whether to delay the costs assessment and indicated that she would rule within the next few weeks.
