Rebel Wilson Redacts Claims Against Sacha Baron Cohen in UK Edition of Memoir

In a surprising turn of events, actress Rebel Wilson has redacted shocking allegations made against Sacha Baron Cohen in the UK edition of her memoir, "Rebel Rising." Wilson's accusations, which included claims of harassment and inappropriate behavior during the filming of "The Brothers Grimsby," had initially garnered widespread attention. However, legal concerns have led to significant alterations in the British publication of her book.

Rebel Wilson's bombshell memoir, "Rebel Rising," has been making headlines worldwide, but the UK publication has sparked unexpected controversy. Passages detailing the actress's experiences with Sacha Baron Cohen on the set of "The Brothers Grimsby" have been blacked out, prompting speculation and raising questions about the veracity of Wilson's claims.

Initially, Wilson had alluded to an unnamed "a--hole" in her book, but later publicly identified Cohen as the subject of her accusations. She alleged that the comedian had subjected her to repeated requests for nudity, hired a body double for a nude scene after she refused, and pressured her to perform an explicit act on him during filming.

Cohen vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that they were "demonstrably false" and backed up by "extensive detailed evidence." Wilson, however, stood by her story, expressing both humiliation and disappointment at her treatment on set.

The redactions in the UK edition of "Rebel Rising" have been attributed to "peculiarities of the law in England and Wales," where strict libel laws can expose publishers to legal consequences for printing false or defamatory statements. A spokesperson for Wilson's UK publisher, HarperCollins, confirmed the legal reasons behind the alterations.

"We are publishing every page, but for legal reasons, in the UK edition, we are redacting most of one page with some other small redactions and an explanatory note," the statement read. "Those sections are a very small part of a much bigger story and we’re excited for readers to know Rebel’s story when the book is released."

The Guardian reported that the entire chapter dedicated to Cohen, entitled "Sacha Baron Cohen and Other A--holes," had been redacted in the Australian and New Zealand editions as well. This move has raised questions about the compatibility of free speech and legal restrictions across different jurisdictions.

Wilson's memoir has generated heated debate, as many have rallied in support of her right to speak out against alleged misconduct, while others have questioned the validity of her claims. The redactions in the UK edition have further fueled the controversy, highlighting the complex interplay between personal experiences, legal obligations, and public discourse.

Despite the alterations in the UK publication, Wilson has maintained her gratitude to those who have shared their own stories of negative experiences with Cohen.

"I want to thank all the people who have come forward and acknowledged my experiences with Sacha Baron Cohen," Wilson wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for sharing your own stories with me. I'm so grateful to you and really appreciate it."

Wilson's attorney, Bryan Freedman, echoed her sentiments, expressing appreciation for the courage of those who have come forward with similar experiences.

"Rebel and I want to thank all the women who have shared their stories with us about their experiences with Sacha Baron Cohen. We are grateful for their strength and bravery," Freedman said.

The redactions in "Rebel Rising" have undoubtedly cast a shadow over Wilson's allegations against Cohen, but it remains to be seen how they will ultimately impact public perception and the ongoing debate surrounding appropriate workplace behavior in the entertainment industry.