Rebel Wilson cancels Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane shows following book furore
Aussie comedy and film superstar Rebel Wilson is set to cancel a string of east coast shows in the wake of a dispute with Sacha Baron Cohen relating to her upcoming book.
Wilson’s book, Rebel Rising, caused huge controversy when she revealed on social media that Cohen was the Hollywood star she referred to in one of the chapters as an “a..hole”.
The British comedian denied the claims and, according to Wilson, his team is seeking an injunction against the book.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Thursday that the star’s Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane shows were set to be cancelled due to the book’s release being delayed by the controversy.
Ticketholders will reportedly be informed that the Evening with Rebel Wilson shows, one of which was booked at the Opera House, would be cancelled and refunds processed automatically.
“Given changes to publication dates for Rebel Rising, there have been changes to the promotional schedule and as a result, this show has been cancelled,” fans will be told.
Back in March, Wilson claimed she was facing potential legal action from a celebrity over a chapter of her book, where she reportedly details a difficult working experience with the co-star.
Then in an Instagram post she revealed that the celebrity was Cohen.
“I will not be silenced by high-priced lawyers or PR crisis managers. The a****** I am talking about in ONE CHAPTER of my book is: Sacha Baron Cohen,” she said.
She claimed Cohen had hired a crisis PR manager and lawyers after learning that she planned to lift the lid on filming the Hollywood flop The Brothers Grimsby.
Wilson claimed Cohen had encouraged her to go naked in future film scenes and also allegedly urged her to perform a sex act on camera.
Cohen strongly refuted the claims, with a spokesperson calling them “demonstrably false”.
“While we appreciate the importance of speaking out, these demonstrably false claims are directly contradicted by extensive detailed evidence,” Cohen’s spokesperson said.
“Including contemporaneous documents, film footage, and eyewitness accounts from those present before, during and after the production of The Brothers Grimsby.”
