Rebel Wilson has claimed that Sacha Baron Cohen sexually harassed her on the set of the 2016 film “Grimsby.” Wilson, in her autobiography, stated that Baron Cohen asked her to strip off for scenes despite her contracts having ‘no nudity’ clauses. Wilson claimed that when she confronted her agent about the issue, she was convinced to continue working on the movie rather than leave the set. Baron Cohen, however, denies all allegations of mistreatment and harassment towards Wilson. Wilson revealed that she felt ashamed for not doing more at the time of the supposed incident.
Baron Cohen recently announced that he and his wife, Isla Fisher, were splitting up. Sources have suggested that their marriage had been troubled for some time, and Wilson’s allegations of sexual harassment towards Baron Cohen may have been a catalyst for their break-up. Rebel has claimed that other women have reached out to her since she shared her story in her autobiography. There is no indication at this time that these women are accusing Baron Cohen of any wrongdoing. Rebel expressed difficulty in speaking out against a high-profile individual due to the potential backlash from powerful lawyers and PR representatives.
Rebel Wilson stated that she should have left the set when the incident first occurred and expressed confidence that the truth would eventually come out. Despite feeling ashamed, she believes it was important to share her story in her memoir and not just have people judge based on headlines. Wilson also mentioned that behind-the-scenes footage released after the claims were made did not accurately depict her horrified refusal to engage in certain acts that Baron Cohen wanted her to perform. She accused Baron Cohen of bullying and gaslighting through the unauthorized release of misleading footage.
Wilson revealed that she had reported the incident to her agent and made an official complaint to the studio but decided to continue working on the movie at the time. She expressed fear in revealing the identities of those who mistreated her and encouraged others to speak out against harassment. Following the publication of her memoir, Wilson has been sharing updates on social media, including promoting her live show where she will discuss her controversial book. She also acknowledged that the book’s publication in the UK and Australia had been delayed but would be available soon.
Baron Cohen and Fisher’s split was announced days after Wilson’s claims surfaced. Cohen’s representatives have denied all allegations of mistreatment towards Wilson and stated that the claims are false. The couple announced the end of their marriage through a social media post, emphasizing their respect for each other and their children’s privacy. Sources close to the couple revealed that their marriage had been rocky for years, with factors like relocating to Australia impacting their relationship. Isla Fisher was reportedly upset by the claims in Wilson’s book, which contributed to her decision to announce their split.
Baron Cohen was previously reported to be planning a live tour featuring some of his iconic characters, including Ali G and Borat. Wilson’s claims of sexual harassment have stirred controversy and raised questions about power dynamics in the entertainment industry. Wilson’s decision to speak out has sparked further conversations about accountability and the treatment of individuals in the workplace. The situation highlights the importance of supporting survivors of harassment and creating safe environments for all individuals, regardless of their status in the industry.
