Rebel Wilson cancels Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane shows following book furore

Rebel Wilson has quietly cancelled the Australian tour dates for her live Evening With Rebel memoir publicity series.

Australian superstar Rebel Wilson has cancelled a string of live Australian shows in the

wake of a dispute with Sacha Baron Cohen relating to her memoir, Rebel Rising.

Fans of the comic, actor, and director flooded the comments section of her recent Instagram posts on Thursday afternoon, expressing their disappointment.

Wilson was due to host a live and intimate evening at the Sydney Opera House discussing the book.

“Unfortunately I now won’t be able to do in person book events in Australia due to my changing work schedule,” Wilson announced today, while also confirming the new publication date for Australia is May 8th.

“Nooooo Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne cancelled,” one disappointed fan wrote.”

Just two days ago, Wilson shared UK tour dates to her Instagram writing: “I am beyond pumped to come to the UK and talk about my book.”

Rebel Wilson’s memoir made the New York Times bestsellers list. Photo: Instagram.

Wilson delayed the Australian release of the book. Picture: Instagram

The book has been dogged with controversy since Wilson, 44, revealed on social media that Sacha Baren Cohen was the Hollywood star she referred to in one of the chapters as an “a. hole”.

The British comedian denied the claims and, according to Wilson, his team is seeking an injunction against the book.

The actor’s controversial memoir was then held back by publishers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom in August — although it was released on schedule in the United States and other parts of the world.

On Thursday, Wilson announced that Rebel Rising will soon be released in both countries, in Australia on the 8th of May. “This is my full story, from my childhood to the birth of my beautiful daughter. I hope you enjoy it!” she wrote.

Australian ticketholders received emails on Thursday informing them that the Evening with Rebel Wilson shows, one of which was booked at the Opera House, would be cancelled and refunds processed automatically.

“Given changes to publication dates for Rebel Rising, there have been changes to the promotional schedule and as a result, this show has been cancelled,” fans were told.

Rebel Wilson is seen on March 29, 2024 in New York City. Photo: MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.

Back in March, Wilson claimed she was facing potential legal action from a celebrity over a chapter of her book, where she reportedly details a difficult working experience with the co-star.

Then in an Instagram post she revealed that the celebrity was Cohen.

“I will not be silenced by high-priced lawyers or PR crisis managers. The a****** I am talking about in ONE CHAPTER of my book is: Sacha Baron Cohen,” she said.

Wilson claimed Cohen had hired a crisis PR manager and lawyers after learning that she planned to lift the lid on filming of the 2016 film The Brothers Grimsby.

Wilson claimed Cohen had encouraged her to go naked in future film scenes and also allegedly urged her to perform a sex act on camera.

Actors Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher announced their divorce on social media after 13 years of marriage on April 5th, 2024. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Cohen vehemently denies the allegations, with a spokesperson calling them “demonstrably false”.

“While we appreciate the importance of speaking out, these demonstrably false claims are directly contradicted by extensive detailed evidence,” Cohen’s spokesperson said at the time.

“Including contemporaneous documents, film footage, and eyewitness accounts from those present before, during and after the production of The Brothers Grimsby.”

One week later, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher announced their divorce after 13 years of marriage.

The superstar comedian and Australian actor revealed they had separated one year earlier.

According to The Sun, an unnamed source said Wilson’s book was “a catalyst” for Fisher to publicly reveal they had ended their marriage.