Rebel Wilson has opened up about a regrettable experience she had while filming with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, shedding light on what she described as a "degrading" encounter.
In her new memoir, "Rebel Rising," the 44-year-old actress detailed her negative experience on the set of Baron Cohen's film "Grimsby." Wilson recounted feeling "fat-shamed" and humiliated during the production, expressing regret that she didn't leave the set despite the discomfort she experienced.
During an interview on Lauren Laverne's Radio 4 show, "Desert Island Discs," Wilson discussed the ordeal, labeling it as her "worst professional experience" and stating that Baron Cohen's behavior crossed a line. She emphasized that the incident went beyond comedy and left her feeling degraded for her appearance.
In "Grimsby," Wilson portrayed Baron Cohen's character's partner, and she alleged in her memoir that Baron Cohen pressured her to film a sex scene and made her wear unflattering clothing.
Reflecting on the incident, Wilson expressed regret for not standing up for herself at the time, admitting that she lacked the self-esteem to leave the situation. She acknowledged that, if faced with a similar situation now, she would handle it differently and prioritize her well-being.
While Wilson stopped short of making specific allegations against Baron Cohen, she affirmed that sharing her story was a necessary step for her emotional healing. Despite facing potential legal threats, Wilson remained steadfast in her decision to speak out against what she perceived as unacceptable behavior .
Baron Cohen has vehemently denied all of Wilson's claims, citing evidence including contemporaneous documents, film footage, and eyewitness accounts from the production of "Grimsby."
Wilson's courage in speaking out about her experience sheds light on the importance of creating a safe and respectful working environment in the entertainment industry, prompting conversations about professionalism and boundaries on film sets.
