Producers suing actress Rebel Wilson for defamation have achieved a procedural win after a Los Angeles judge agreed to seek testimony from Australian witnesses. The judge granted a request for a letter rogatory, a formal appeal to an Australian court to compel testimony from individuals who cannot be subpoenaed in California.
The producers, Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and Vince Holden, contend that this testimony is vital to rebut Wilson's claims in the ongoing legal dispute concerning the 2024 musical film "The Deb." Attorney Camille Vasquez stated in a court declaration that Australian producer Greer Simpkin, who worked on the film, is a key witness.
Simpkin is expected to testify that there was no embezzlement or misuse of film funds by the producers and that she never informed Wilson that money had been stolen. Vasquez also indicated that Simpkin is anticipated to dispute Wilson's allegations of false imprisonment, coercion into signing documents, or financial and tax irregularities related to the film.
Testimony is also sought from second assistant director Neaome "Noni" Roy, whom Wilson identified as a witness to alleged misconduct. Roy is expected to testify that no improper conduct occurred and that there is no basis for Wilson's claim of false imprisonment.
Wilson has filed a countersuit, accusing the producers of a "troubling pattern" of theft, bullying, and sexual misconduct, and alleging they inflated the film's budget to split excess funds. The producers initially sued Wilson for defamation after she publicly accused them of misconduct. In November 2024, Judge Long denied Wilson's attempt to dismiss that lawsuit, a ruling she is appealing.