Producers of a film directed by Australian film star Rebel Wilson can move forward with their defamation suit, a judge has ruled in denying a defense motion to dismiss the case on free-speech grounds.
Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden sued Wilson on July 12 in Los Angeles Superior Court after the Australian actor posted to her 11 million Instagram followers that the trio that produced the film “The Deb” had engaged in theft, bullying and sexual misconduct.
Judge Thomas D. Long heard arguments on the dismissal motion on Thursday, briefly took the case under submission and issued his final ruling the same day.
According to the judge, the statements by the 44-year-old Wilson’s at issue did not involve matters of public interest, but instead were made in the context of the celebrity’s private business dispute with the plaintiffs surrounding the production and premiere of the film.
There are no charges pending against the plaintiffs and Wilson has not taken action aimed at bringing about a criminal investigation, Long further wrote.
“The fact that defendant’s statements accuse plaintiff of criminal conduct make them defamatory on their face,” the judge wrote.
Ghost filed a sworn declaration in opposition to the dismissal motion.
“I have suffered significant harm as a result of Wilson’s defamation, including the emotional and reputation harm and the embarrassment of being smeared as a criminal embezzler and sexual abuser in front of an audience of millions,” Ghost said.
Wilson’s statements additionally have disrupted efforts to sell the “The Deb,” jeopardizing and perhaps destroying the ability to recoup the producers’ investment or receive future profits, Ghost further contends.
The producers’ legal team includes Camille M. Vasquez, who represented Johnny Depp in his dueling litigation with former spouse Amber Heard.
Wilson’s film credits include the 2011 comedy films “Bridesmaids” and “A Few Best Men.”