Rebel Wilson's memoir, "Rebel Rising," has been released in the UK, sparking controversy due to the redaction of a specific portion believed to contain accusations against Sacha Baron Cohen.

Redaction Controversy: Insights From Both Parties

The decision to redact this section comes after an uproar in the US over Wilson's claims against Baron Cohen, known for his role in "Borat." A note in the book explains that the redaction is due to legal considerations in England and Wales.

A spokesperson for Baron Cohen hailed the redactions as a victory, emphasizing that Wilson's claims were unfounded. The spokesperson noted that printing falsehoods is against the law in the UK and Australia, not a peculiarity as Wilson claimed but a longstanding legal principle.

HarperCollins, the book's publisher, clarified that while most of one page has been redacted in the UK edition, they are excited for readers to delve into Wilson's story. The entire chapter concerning Baron Cohen has reportedly been redacted in Australia and New Zealand, making these versions the most censored.

The UK edition of the book also features other redactions, albeit shorter ones. Wilson has slightly revised a sentence regarding talent agency WME's relationship with Baron Cohen. Wilson added that she did not know why they had parted ways, and it might have been his choice.

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Allegations and Denials

Wilson previously wrote about her negative experience working with Baron Cohen on the film "The Brothers Grimsby." In a radio interview from 2014, Wilson stated that Baron Cohen had urged her to do nude scenes for the film. Despite her protests, Wilson alleged that Baron Cohen continued to pressure her, even proposing an additional scene not included in the script where she would insert her finger into his buttocks. However, Baron Cohen vehemently denied any wrongdoing, providing evidence to refute Wilson's claims.

Baron Cohen's representative countered Wilson's allegations, asserting that they were untrue and refuted by substantial evidence, including documentation, video recordings, and testimonies from individuals involved in making the film.

The Daily Mail released outtake footage from one of the scenes Wilson mentioned. Wilson's statement to Daily Mail reaffirmed her portrayal of Baron Cohen as unpleasant in her book. She emphasized that the incident described was part of a scripted and professional shoot, dismissing any suggestion otherwise as false and potentially harmful.

Wilson criticized the release of selective footage, labeling it as an 'a**hole move' and accusing Baron Cohen of bullying and gaslighting. She maintained that the released video omitted crucial context, including her refusal to comply with Baron Cohen's request. She asserted that the director was not present during the incident.

Reviews From UK Critics

Despite the controversy surrounding the redacted section, "Rebel Rising" has received mixed reviews in the UK. Some critics have criticized the writing quality, while others praise Wilson's candidness.

In a two-star review, Emily Watkins of iNews described the writing as distracting but acknowledged Wilson's compelling voice. Watkins emphasized the book's conversational tone, likely appealing to dedicated fans, offering an experience akin to chatting with the author over a glass of wine. However, casual readers may find it less engaging and need more than one stiff drink to get through it.

Similarly, Tim Robey of The Telegraph awarded the book two stars, criticizing its weak jokes but acknowledging Wilson's bravery in sharing her story.

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