Yesterday, the United States published Rebel Rising, the memoir in which Australian actress Rebel Wilson made allegations about British comedy sensation Sacha Baron Cohen. The allegations have been refuted by him, with an agent characterising them as “evidently erroneous.”
Rebel Wilson asserts that Sacha Baron Cohen “sexually harassed” her while she was filming Grimsby and that he “takes pleasure in making others feel uneasy.”
The allegations regarding the British comedy sensation were published in the Australian actress’s memoir, Rebel Rising, released in the United States yesterday.
In a statement provided to the PA news agency, a Baron Cohen representative brands her allegations “evidently untruthful.”
Wilson, 44, co-starred with Baron Cohen, 52, as his on-screen fiancรฉe in the 2016 spy action comedy Grimsby, also known as The Brothers Grimsby in the United States.
Wilson, who is best known for her work on films such as Bridesmaids, Jojo Rabbit, and the Pitch Perfect series, states that she has no intention of cancelling the Ali G and Borat star but instead wishes to share her purported experiences with the audience because “the more women discuss such things. Hopefully, they will occur less frequently.”
Wilson asserts that during filming in South Africa, whenever she spoke with Baron Cohen, “he would mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene,” which was “absolutely non-essential” to the plot, in her opinion.
She accuses him of providing “gross instructions” and claims he “wanted me to look and feel awful” by allegedly requiring her to change into more form-fitting garments “where cellulite could be seen as much as possible.”
Wilson Alleges Baron Cohen’s Misconduct
Wilson also provides specifics regarding an alleged incident on set, claiming she was “lured” from her caravan into an unfurnished concrete room with a mattress on the floor, where Baron Cohen “and his mates” were the only occupants.
According to her, Baron Cohen allegedly lowered his pants while his companions recorded on their smartphones, instructing her to “place your finger up my ass” for a scene he claimed would be featured in the film.
Wilson, who states that she was “terrified,” asserts that neither the director nor the film staff were present and further states, “In my perspective, Sacha Baron Cohen derives pleasure from making individuals feel uneasy.”
A Baron Cohen representative told the PA news agency, “While we recognise the importance of speaking out, these manifestly false claims are directly refuted by copious amounts of detailed evidenceโincluding contemporaneous documents, film footage, and eyewitness accounts from those present before, during, and after The Brothers Grimsby’s production.”
Isla Fisher, the spouse of Baron Cohen, appears in the film with Johnny Vegas, Mark Strong, Penelope Cruz, and Ricky Tomlinson.
Wilson claims she did not want to be labelled a “troublemaker” at the time, but during the #MeToo movement in 2017, she revealed a version of her claim on social media without naming Baron Cohen.
In another section of her memoir, Wilson characterises other comedy actors, including Ben Stiller on Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, as “complete gentlemen” and asserts that Will Ferrell was beyond perfection in his role as producer of Bachelorette.
Additionally, she recounts “delightful” interactions with Robin Williams, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Bob Saget, and Garry Shandling.
