The production house behind Rebel Wilson's directorial maiden voyage, "The Deb," has waded into a legal quagmire concerning the film's release, accusing the actress of sabotaging a potential distribution deal with the ultimate aim of acquiring the musical's rights herself.
In a lawsuit filed in Australia on Thursday, AI Film asserts that a potential distributor rescinded its offer after Wilson threatened legal action to halt the film's premiere. The suit alleges breach of contract and seeks unspecified monetary damages, coupled with an apology and a judicial mandate preventing Wilson from continuing to disseminate alleged false claims about misconduct by the film's producers.
Last year, Wilson revealed that she had reported the producers upon uncovering "not minor, but significant issues" related to "inappropriate behavior towards the film's lead actress, Charlotte MacInnes," as well as the theft of movie funds. In response, the producers filed a defamation lawsuit, contending that Wilson fabricated these claims as part of a strategy to premiere "The Deb" at the prestigious closing ceremony of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and secure a screenwriting credit. Wilson subsequently countersued, doubling down on her accusations of theft and sexual misconduct, which MacInnes has vehemently denied.
"My sole desire is for this film to see the light of day, and I have been tirelessly working behind the scenes to make this happen," Wilson posted on Instagram in response to Thursday's lawsuit.
According to the complaint, Wilson has been misleading those involved in "The Deb's" production by claiming that AI Film is thwarting efforts to secure distribution. She purportedly informed screenwriter Hannah Reilly and composer Megan Washington that WME, the film's international sales agent, was unable to secure a deal due to a lawsuit filed by the production company and negative press orchestrated by a crisis PR team hired to manage the fallout—allegations AI Film denounces as untrue.
"Wilson persists in publishing false and derogatory statements about the other producers and AI Film, including the false claim that they are attempting to block the film's release," Patrick George, the company's lawyer, wrote in the complaint. "In reality, it was Wilson who was undermining the producers' and AI Film's attempts to secure distribution deals by making public false allegations and deliberately sabotaging negotiations with potential distributors."
After AI Film insisted that Wilson engage in distribution discussions, her lawyer, Bryan Freedman, who did not respond to a request for comment, reportedly replied that she was "actively negotiating to outright purchase 'The Deb' and all associated rights and title." He allegedly threatened legal action if the company interfered.
AI Film contends that Wilson forced their hand when Sydney-based entertainment firm Kismet Movies withdrew its distribution offer after she threatened to sue to prevent the film's release.
Wilson stands firm in her assertion that MacInnes falsely claimed she was not sexually harassed by Ghost. On "The Deb's" Instagram account, she wrote that the movie "will never see the light of day due to her lies and support for those blocking its release." She added, "I'm glad you landed a record deal, Charlotte, but at the expense of the 300 individuals who worked tirelessly on 'The Deb' and earnestly wish for its release."
