Initially slated for release in the US on Tuesday, followed by launches in Australia on Wednesday and the UK on Thursday, the release schedule for Rebel Rising has encountered a shift. The UK release date has been pushed back to April 25th to coincide with Rebel Wilson’s upcoming press tours, a decision made in response to emerging legal threats, particularly concerning allegations made against Sacha Baron Cohen in the book. HarperCollins, Wilson’s publisher, clarified that the rescheduling was to align with Wilson’s promotional activities.
In Rebel Rising, Wilson brings forward allegations against Sacha Baron Cohen, accusing him of misconduct during the filming of his 2016 movie, Grimsby. She recounts the experience as the nadir of her professional career, citing instances of feeling humiliated and sexually harassed on set. However, Baron Cohen has vehemently refuted these allegations, branding them as false and baseless. His legal team has presented evidence, including video footage, email exchanges, and testimonies from crew members, to counter Wilson’s claims.
Despite the legal contention surrounding the book, Wilson remains committed to promoting it through scheduled press tours in both the UK and Australia. Her itinerary includes stops in prominent cities such as Edinburgh, Manchester, London, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
During a recent appearance on Kelly Clarkson’s TV talk show, Wilson underscored that Rebel Rising delves into a myriad of topics beyond the allegations against Baron Cohen. She emphasized that the incident with Baron Cohen is merely one aspect discussed in a single chapter of her book.
Baron Cohen, renowned for his bold and unconventional comedic style, ascended to fame through iconic characters like Ali G and Borat, known for their audacious pranks and satirical humor.