By Shannon Corvo

Topic: Courts

Thursday, 23 July 2026, at 7:00 am

A lawyer says Rebel Wilson's defamation case win might not last because of how the judge understood her social media posts.

In short:

A lawyer says the judge's view of Rebel Wilson's social media posts could lead to a new trial or a different result.

Charlotte MacInnes's lawyers say she will appeal the case she lost against Rebel Wilson.

To appeal, they must file a notice within 28 days of the court's decision.

As Charlotte MacInnes plans to appeal, a lawyer says the judge's understanding of Rebel Wilson's posts could lead to a new trial or different result.

Charlotte MacInnes, who acted in Rebel Wilson's movie, sued her over social media posts that she said hurt her reputation.

The 28-year-old actress thought the movie would be her big break, but the posts suggested she lied about being assaulted for career gain.

Charlotte MacInnes tried to get money for hurting her reputation, but she lost the case.

Her lawyers will appeal, which is not surprising, says a senior defamation lawyer.

Rebel Wilson won the case against Charlotte MacInnes.

'Very difficult to establish'

The court heard about disputed accounts of a sexual assault complaint during the two-week trial.

The judge dismissed the case because Charlotte MacInnes did not prove the posts hurt her seriously.

The judge found one post implied something about Charlotte MacInnes, but it was not defamatory.

Rebel Wilson posted on social media after the verdict, saying the process was hard but reinforced her beliefs.

Charlotte MacInnes's lawyers say she will appeal the decision.

They have 28 days to file the appeal notice.

Charlotte MacInnes is with her lawyer.

A lawyer says three things must be proven to determine if something is defamatory:

He says defamation is hard to prove, and appeals are common.

The judge must decide what an ordinary reader would think, and Charlotte MacInnes could argue the judge was wrong.

The ordinary reader is someone with average intelligence and education who is not looking for scandal.

Charlotte MacInnes must argue the judge was incorrect in saying she did not suffer serious harm.

A lawyer says three things must be proven to determine if something is defamatory.

It might be possible for Charlotte MacInnes to bring more evidence about serious harm.

But the appeal judges' interpretation of Rebel Wilson's words is crucial.

Rebel Wilson could defend herself by proving the content was true.

The total cost of the defamation case could be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The appeal court could make a final decision or send the case back for a new trial.

Everyone 'comes out looking bad'

Rebel Wilson outside a hearing for the two-week trial.

The judge said all three women were unreliable witnesses.

The judge said Charlotte MacInnes and another woman gave inconsistent accounts and were unreliable.

The judge said Rebel Wilson tended to exaggerate and her evidence was sometimes self-serving.

A lawyer says everyone in a defamation trial often looks bad.

When you read the judgment, no one looks good, which is not uncommon.

Being in a defamation action can be personally damaging.

You are putting your reputation up for public examination.

More NSW news

Topic: State and Territory Government

Topic: Courts

See more ABC coverage in your search results

Práctica de escucha