Rebel Wilson Doesn't Owe You Anything
What’s it like for an actor to come out in 2022?
Actor/producer Rebel Wilson
Well, I don’t know if she’s technically “out” — but last week Australian actor/comedian/producer Rebel Wilson announced on social media that she has found her “Disney princess” and posted a photo of the person she is now dating – a woman.
Does this mean Wilson is gay? Bi? Something else?
I don’t know – and I don’t really care. It’s not my business.
But what did bother me was an article about Wilson that I read in the Sydney Morning Herald this weekend.
Apparently the newspaper (not a trashy rag, an actual broadsheet newspaper) caught wind of Wilson’s relationship news and approached her representatives last week for comment.
The paper gave her two days to comment on her new relationship with another woman.
Instead of responding to the paper with gushing gratitude, Rebel took the wheel.
She went on her instagram account and broke the story.
About her life.
With a simple instagram post, she shared a photo of her smiling with her new partner and said:
“I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince… but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess 💗🌈💗#loveislove”
It’s Pride month, and it’s 2022, so this really isn’t that scandalous, right?
It might be surprising news, as Wilson had previously shared photos of the men she’s dated.
But who cares?
Private Sydney Columnist Andrew Hornery and the Sydney Morning Herald, apparently.
In a column, Hornery seems to nearly break his arm patting himself on the back for giving Wilson two days to comment on this story, noting they approached her with “an abundance of caution and respect.”
“Big mistake,” he writes.
I can’t hear the words ‘Big Mistake’ without picturing this scene.
Hornery seems to be stomping his feet and pouting because Wilson chose to “gazump” his story by posting the news herself.
Really?
Why is this surprising?
Wilson would have no control over the story the Sydney Morning Herald ran.
Sure they could write a flattering story — or they could focus their attention on the same-sex nature of the relationship, questioning Wilson’s sexuality all along, rather than celebrating her new relationship.
They might also dig up dirt on her new partner, and her previous relationships.
And why stop there?
If you search Wilson’s media coverage over the last year, you’ll find the press has devoted a lot of column inches to articles about her weight loss. They seem less focused or interested in Wilson’s work as an actor or producer.
Imagine the headlines: New Body. New Girlfriend.
If articles linking her new body and new relationship haven’t been written yet, they probably will be.
And let’s not forget – while the Sydney Morning Herald claims they approached Wilson with the “utmost respect” Wilson would be wise to be cautious.
She’s been burned by the press before.
In 2017, Wilson won a defamation lawsuit (and a record AUD $4.56 million) against Australia’s Women’s Day magazine.
The Sydney Morning Herald was right to approach Wilson for comment.
Any journalist should fact check their story and give the people involved the opportunity to comment.
But Wilson – despite being an Australian celebrity – doesn’t owe them a comment.
It’s her life. She can choose to share details – or not – however she pleases.
She didn’t go to a rival publication to tell her story. She went to her instagram.
The Sydney Morning Herald found Wilson’s choice to ignore them “underwhelming.”
But do you know what’s really underwhelming?
A publication that thinks they are entitled to someone’s personal story – and then sulking and whining when they don’t get it.
Love this scene (and Rebel’s performance) in Pitch Perfect
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Beth Collier loves writing, pop culture, and quality journalism.
She also loves helping companies, leaders, and teams improve their communication (and creativity and leadership) through consulting, coaching, and workshops.
Her clients benefit from Beth’s global corporate experience, Midwestern practicality and enthusiasm – and an endless supply of pop culture references.
To find out how Beth can help you become a more confident, creative, and compelling leader – or improve communication in your company – visit www.beth-collier.com or drop her a line at beth@beth-collier.com