Rebel Wilson Book Launch Postponed in Australia Following Allegations Against Sacha Baron Cohen

Rebel Wilson Book Release Delayed in Australia Amid Sacha Baron Cohen Sexual Harassment Allegation 02

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Rebel Wilson fans in Australia will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the actress’ book, Rebel Rising. Harper Collins Australia has announced that the release of the book has been postponed indefinitely.

The much-awaited tell-all memoir by the Australian star was originally scheduled to hit the shelves in her home country on Wednesday, April 3. However, it has now been removed from both physical and online stores. Fans who had preordered Rebel Rising have been refunded and their orders have been canceled.

Harper Collins Australia informed Yahoo Lifestyle that the release of Rebel Rising has been postponed and they have no additional information to share. Despite still being available in the United States, the book seems to have been removed from sale in the U.K. and New Zealand as reported by Yahoo.

The upcoming release of the memoir has generated a lot of buzz recently. Excerpts have been shared, revealing details such as when Wilson, aged 44, lost her virginity, her love for junk food, and the time Channing Tatum touched her boobs.

However, one particular section has stood out among the rest. Wilson opens up about her experience working with Sacha Baron Cohen, which she describes as so distressing that it ultimately led to her developing an eating disorder.

Rebel Wilson Book Release Delayed in Australia Amid Sacha Baron Cohen Sexual Harassment Allegation 02

Rebel Wilson Roger Wong/INSTARimages

Wilson, 52, and Baron Cohen collaborated on the 2016 movie The Brothers Grimsby. Wilson accused the actor of sexual harassment during filming, stating that he asked her to remove her clothes despite her rule against nudity. She also claimed that Baron Cohen wanted her to perform a scene involving sticking her finger up his backside because he believed it would be funny for the film. Wilson expressed feeling sexually harassed by him, saying, "It felt like [he] had sexually harassed me."

In her memoir, Wilson recalled, "It felt like every time I’d speak to SBC, he’d mention that he wanted me to go naked in a future scene. I was like, 'Ha, I don’t do nudity, Sacha.'"

Baron Cohen has denied the allegations, with his representative stating that the claims are false and are contradicted by evidence such as documents, footage, and eyewitness accounts from the production of The Brothers Grimsby.

On the other hand, fans have been told by local sellers that Rebel Rising was removed from shelves because of its content.

One fan shared on Facebook that they were unable to get a copy of the book in Australia. They mentioned visiting a local bookstore where they were informed that the book had been recalled for possible re-printing and redaction.

Another fan from New Zealand mentioned their experience of trying to purchase the book but was told that it had been removed from shelves due to legal reasons, specifically at Whitcolls NZ.

Amazon Australia’s website tells visitors, “We don’t know when or if [Rebel Rising] will be back in stock.”

Editor's P/S:

The postponement of Rebel Wilson's memoir, "Rebel Rising," in Australia has sparked speculation and raised questions about the content of the book. Wilson's candid revelations about her experiences with Sacha Baron Cohen, including allegations of sexual harassment, have drawn attention and ignited discussions about power dynamics in the entertainment industry. While Baron Cohen has denied the allegations, the fact that the book has been removed from shelves in multiple countries suggests that there may be more to the story. It remains to be seen whether the book will be released in Australia, and if so, whether any revisions have been made.

The allegations and subsequent postponement of the book have also highlighted the importance of supporting and believing survivors of sexual harassment and assault. Wilson's decision to speak out about her experience is a powerful reminder that speaking up can be difficult, but it is essential for holding perpetrators accountable and creating a safer environment for all. The ongoing conversation surrounding "Rebel Rising" serves as an opportunity to reflect on the prevalence of sexual harassment and the need for continued efforts to prevent and address it.