Actor Sues Rebel Wilson Over Defamation Claims

0:00It's April 22nd. You're listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Cory with the story. Young actor Charlotte McKinnis is suing Rebel Wilson for defamation in Sydney's federal court over Instagram stories from last year and September, 2024. Wilson claimed McKinnis complained about producer Amanda Ghost, asking her to share a bath and shower during rehearsals for the musical film The Deb. Then flipped her story for career works. McKinnis denies any complaint happened. The drama stems from a swim at Bondi Beach on September 5th, 2023. Ghost had a bad reaction to cold water, breaking out in welts and shaking. McKinnis helped her back to the penthouse, where both got into a big bath still in their swimsuits to warm up, with no touching involved. Another crew member made hot drinks. McKinnis told the court she's numb to the flood of abusive social media messages from strangers, though it still hits hard. Her boyfriend testified she grew fearful after Wilson's post, feeling like the star was watching her every move and it was breaking her down.

1:05Emotionally, witnesses are piling up, including Ghost Doctor from the UK, who confirmed the cold Urducaria episode over the phone and advised on meds. Lawyers say Wilson twisted the facts, not acting as a protector, but pushing her own agenda amid producer disputes. The trial rolls on with McKinnis back on the stand, Thursday, while the devs release stays tangled in these lawsuits across Australia and the US.