Rebel Wilson claims producers of her new film The Deb are blocking the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
The 44-year-old Australian actress claimed in an Instagram video that her film would premiere on the closing night of the 2024 TIFF, but producers Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron and executive producer Vince Holden are trying to prevent the comedy from premiering at the prestigious event.
She also accused the producers of “bad behavior” on set.
The producers of Wilson’s film claim the “allegations are false, defamatory and disappointing.”
“RW’s allegations are false, defamatory and disappointing,” a spokesperson for the producers said Deadline.
“Her self-promotion is clearly intended to damage the reputation of those who supported her directorial debut film The Deb. It’s a joyful film that we’re very proud of and excited to share with the public.
“If she spreads a false story to further her own agenda, it undermines the film and all the people who worked on this project.”
Rebel Wilson claims producers of her new film The Deb are blocking the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival
Wilson stated in her video, “You know, sometimes you try so hard in life and you don’t know what to do, well, that’s the situation. You may have noticed that a week ago I posted about the first film I directed, which I’m so proud of, The Deb.
“It’s a small Australian musical that’s amazing. It was selected for the closing night of the Toronto Film Festival, which is the best platform to be a first-time female director, it’s huge.
“Having the joy of the film being selected is one thing, but when the business partners turn around and say the film can’t premiere, it’s beyond devastating. Why are they saying this? Why are they stopping it?”
Wilson then claimed: ‘This goes back to October of last year, when I discovered misconduct by these business partners. They are producers of the film, their names are Amanda Ghost and Gregor Cameron and executive producer Vince Holden.’
“When I found out, I reported their misconduct.”
Wilson claimed that since reporting the problems she has been subjected to “absolutely violent and bad behaviour”.
She said she finished the film, but the producers told her she couldn’t release it.
“This is the work of hundreds of people and this behavior is absolutely despicable and abhorrent,” Wilson continued.
“I will speak the truth and warn people about people in the industry who are not acting ethically. That’s my dilemma if that movie doesn’t play in Toronto, it’s because of this absolute f**kwit.”
The Deb, starring Wilson and comedian Shane Jacobson, is about a country school girl getting ready for her debutante ball.
Wilson (pictured) had announced that her first film as a director, The Deb, would premiere at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival in September
The film also stars ABC series Aftertaste actress Natalie Abbott and newcomer Charlotte McInnes.
Locations include country towns such as Carcoar, Blayney and Orange, as well as Sydney.
Last October, Rebel revealed that she turned down major offers in the United States so she could make her directorial debut Down Under.
“If I were to direct a film, it would only be in Australia because that’s authentic to me,” Rebel told The Daily Telegraph at the time.
“I didn’t want to do the studio recordings that I was offered in America because I didn’t feel like I had that connection to the heart,” she explained.
