Rebel Wilson sues magazine for claiming she 'lied' about her name, age and background

Wilson says the articles are defamatory and she has been humiliated

Australian media report that a writ filed in the Victorian Supreme Court on Monday said the media group did not contact her prior to writing the articles (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Rebel Wilson is reportedly suing the magazine publisher Bauer Media over a series of articles she claims defamed her and made her out to be a “serial liar”.

The Australian actress and comedian, who is best know for her roles in Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect, says her reputation has suffered and she has been humiliated and embarrassed by the articles.

In May 2015, Women’s Day published one on online and one print article titled “Just who is the REAL Rebel?”, which, it is alleged, claimed Wilson had lied about her age, her name, her upbringing and the fact she had lived in Zimbabwe for a year.

The claims were picked up by the national and international press and published in subsequent articles in other Bauer titles, such as the Australian OK Magazine and New Weekly.

Australian media report that a writ filed in the Victorian Supreme Court on Monday said the media group did not contact her prior to writing the articles or make sufficient enquiries to check the facts, and that Wilson was “gravely injured in her feelings, credit and reputation, has been humiliated and embarrassed and has suffered loss and damage, including special damage”.

The writ also reportedly stated the articles made her out to be a “serial liar who has invented fantastic stories in order to make it in Hollywood” and Wilson was suing for special damages because she lost roles she had been promised and was not offered new positions due to the articles published.

In a statement released to The Sydney Morning Herald, Bauer Media said it had not been served with a writ by representatives of Wilson. “If and when it is served, we will take the opportunity to consider our defences,” the statement reads. “It would not be appropriate for Bauer Media to comment further whilst this matter is before the court and the writ is yet to be served.”

Wilson and Bauer Media have been contacted for comment.