Rebel Wilson denies phone dump in defamation trial

Published: 29 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson has firmly denied accusations that she deliberately disposed of her mobile phone to avoid handing over key evidence, as a high-profile defamation trial continues to unfold in Australia. The case, which centres on allegations of reputational damage and misconduct, has drawn intense scrutiny both within the entertainment industry and among legal observers.

The dispute stems from claims brought by Charlotte MacInnes, the 27-year-old lead actor in Wilson’s directorial debut, The Deb. MacInnes alleges that Wilson defamed her through social media posts, portraying her as dishonest and suggesting she had withdrawn a sexual harassment complaint to benefit her career. Wilson has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that her statements were based on concerns raised during private conversations.

During a tense session at the Federal Court of Australia, Wilson faced direct questioning from MacInnes’ legal team regarding the whereabouts of her phone. The device, which allegedly contained relevant communications, could not be produced as evidence. Wilson told the court that the phone had been stolen while she was in London, and that some message threads had not been backed up, making recovery impossible.

When confronted with the suggestion that she may have intentionally discarded the device, Wilson reacted strongly, calling the accusation “absolutely outrageous.” Her legal counsel objected to the line of questioning, though not before the actor firmly rejected the implication in open court.

The proceedings have also revisited earlier communications between Wilson and MacInnes, including text messages exchanged in May 2023. In one instance, Wilson criticised MacInnes for failing to respond after requesting a ticket to a theatre production, describing the behaviour as “terribly rude” and not an ideal start to their professional relationship. MacInnes apologised in the exchange, praising Wilson’s professionalism. In court, Wilson dismissed suggestions that the message constituted bullying, stating that a single text could not reasonably be interpreted as harassment.

A central issue in the trial is an alleged incident involving the film’s co-producer, Amanda Ghost. Wilson testified that MacInnes had confided discomfort after being invited to bathe with the producer, which she interpreted as a sexual harassment complaint. Wilson described her reaction as one of shock, emphasising the seriousness with which she took the matter at the time.

However, MacInnes disputes that any such complaint was made, with her legal team arguing that Wilson fabricated or misrepresented the situation to create division during a dispute related to the production. Wilson rejected this assertion, insisting that it would have been against her own interests as a first-time director to invent such claims, particularly given the film’s themes centred on female empowerment.

The court also heard that Wilson later communicated to Ghost that MacInnes had indicated everything was “all good,” based on a subsequent conversation. Despite this, Wilson said she remained uneasy, citing changes in behaviour between the two individuals that she found concerning.

Further complicating the case are allegations made by MacInnes regarding a cyber intrusion into her social media accounts. In her sworn statement, she claimed that her Snapchat account was breached shortly after initiating legal proceedings, resulting in the distribution of a private image. MacInnes suggested that Wilson may have been behind the incident, though no supporting evidence has yet been presented in court, and Wilson has not been formally questioned on the matter.

Throughout the trial, Wilson has denied all allegations of bullying, harassment or malicious conduct. She has described herself as an advocate for women and expressed frustration at what she views as mischaracterisations of her actions and intentions. The actor, widely known for her roles in films such as Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, now faces one of the most challenging legal battles of her career.

Outside the courtroom, Wilson acknowledged personal pressures, revealing that her wife is heavily pregnant and expecting the couple’s second child imminently. She admitted feeling anxious as the proceedings continue, balancing the demands of the trial with significant developments in her private life.

As the case progresses, the court is expected to examine further evidence and testimony, including potential cross-examination on the cyberattack allegations. The outcome could have far-reaching implications, not only for those directly involved but also for broader discussions around defamation, workplace conduct and accountability within the entertainment industry