Actor Sacha Baron Cohen accused of on-set harassment by actress Rebel Wilson in new memoir
Actress Rebel Wilson’s memoir “Rebel Rising” is causing quite a stir in the United Kingdom and beyond, as copies of the book have been published with striking redactions removing all claims she made about fellow comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s behavior on the set of a movie they worked on together nearly a decade ago. The book, which was released in the United States last month in its entirety, alleges that Baron Cohen harassed Wilson on the set of “The Brothers Grimsby” by repeatedly asking her to appear naked in the film and making inappropriate comments. Wilson recently thanked those who have acknowledged her experiences with Baron Cohen in an Instagram post following a book event in Edinburgh.
The redacted version of “Rebel Rising” hit shelves in the United Kingdom last week, with all allegations of on-set harassment by Baron Cohen removed from the text. The same treatment will be given to the book when it is published in Australia and New Zealand on May 8, with an entire chapter referencing the actor being omitted. The allegations made by Wilson in the book, which were included in the original US release, paint a picture of uncomfortable interactions between the two actors during the filming of “The Brothers Grimsby,” including Baron Cohen allegedly asking Wilson to stick her finger up his butt for a comedic bit.
After the redacted version of the book was released in the UK, Wilson took to Instagram to express her gratitude to those who have supported her and acknowledged her experiences with Baron Cohen. Her attorney, Bryan Freedman, also released a statement thanking other women who have shared their own experiences with Cohen and commending their strength and bravery. Wilson’s decision to speak out about her experiences with the actor has sparked a larger conversation about workplace harassment and the importance of standing up against inappropriate behavior in the entertainment industry.
Last month, Wilson hinted at the content of her memoir in a series of Instagram posts, teasing that she would be naming the person who inspired her “no a—holes” policy for people she works with. She later confirmed in a post that the person she was referring to in her book was Sacha Baron Cohen, prompting a response from a spokesperson for the actor who denied the allegations and claimed that there was evidence to prove Wilson’s story was false. Wilson has remained steadfast in her decision to speak out about her experiences in her memoir, despite facing backlash and pushback from those who have tried to silence her.
The controversy surrounding Wilson’s memoir and the accusations she has made against Sacha Baron Cohen highlight the importance of speaking out against workplace harassment and standing up for one’s rights. Wilson’s decision to share her story and expose the behavior she experienced on the set of “The Brothers Grimsby” serves as a powerful example of the bravery and strength required to confront inappropriate conduct, even in the face of opposition. As the conversation around harassment in the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Wilson’s memoir stands as a testament to the power of speaking out and seeking justice in the face of adversity.
