Rebel Wilson recently shared details about an alleged incident involving Sacha Baron Cohen while filming The Brothers Grimsby in 2016. Wilson claimed that Baron Cohen suggested they rent a boat in Cape Town and publicly kiss to create a scandal that would promote the film. She also claimed that Baron Cohen would make her feel uncomfortable with his comments during filming, describing it as the worst professional experience she had ever had. However, a source familiar with the film denied the boat conversation taking place and stated that no such promotion occurred.
Wilson also recalled a moment from 2013 when she hosted the MTV Movie Awards and tested out jokes in front of Baron Cohen and other comedians at a dinner party. She mentioned that Baron Cohen, whom she idolized from a comedic perspective, did not find her jokes amusing, which led her into a panic about her material. Despite his lack of laughter, Wilson later received positive feedback on her jokes from other sources. Wilson’s claims came after she referred to Baron Cohen as a “massive asshole” in her upcoming memoir and alleged that he was trying to stop the press from covering her book’s release.
Following Wilson’s accusations, a representative for Baron Cohen responded, stating that the claims were false and contradicted by evidence like contemporaneous documents, film footage, and eyewitness accounts from The Brothers Grimsby production. In an excerpt from her book, Wilson detailed an uncomfortable encounter with Baron Cohen in Cape Town where he allegedly requested her to stick her finger up his ass during a scene, which she refused. Wilson’s memoir, Rebel Rising, was set to be released on April 2.
Overall, Wilson’s revelations about her experiences with Sacha Baron Cohen shed light on the challenges she faced while working on The Brothers Grimsby and as a host of the MTV Movie Awards. Her claims of feeling uncomfortable with Baron Cohen’s behavior and the alleged request he made during filming have sparked controversy and discussions about workplace harassment in the entertainment industry. Despite conflicting accounts from production sources and Baron Cohen’s representative, Wilson’s decision to share her story contributes to the ongoing conversation about power dynamics and respect in Hollywood. Wilson’s bravery in speaking out against alleged mistreatment and harassment serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in the industry.
