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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Harry Rutter

Rebel Wilson takes swipe at newspaper who threatened to 'out her' as gay at AACTA Awards

Rebel Wilson took a savage swipe at the newspaper who threatened to 'out her' as gay during a speech at last night's AACTA Awards.

The Bridesmaids actress, 42, referenced her feud with the Sydney Morning Herald while welcoming nominees on-stage.

It was earlier this year journalist Andrew Hornery contacted the comedian to publish his 'scoop' at the beginning of her blossoming romance with Ramona Agruma.

A furious Rebel was forced to introduce her new partner to followers on Instagram after receiving an email from the publication with just two days to reply before publishing– all before he accused her of "gazumping" his story.

Speaking at last night's ceremony, Rebel joked: "There has been big things that have happened in my life this year, like big changes.

Rebel took a swipe at the Sydney Morning Herald (Getty Images for AFI)
The gossip column had threatened to 'out her' (@rebelwilson/Instagram)

Making clear reference to the ordeal, she added: "I switched from dairy to soy. I thought I should tell you guys now and get the jump on the Sydney Morning Herald."

Columnist Andrew released a statement at the time, after receiving a wave of backlash, with fans accusing the journalist of attempting to 'out' Rebel as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

The columnist said he had "learnt some new and difficult lessons" in the wake of the backlash, saying he "genuinely regrets" that Wilson has found the experience difficult.

Hornery said the couple had been photographed together on several occasions - including at an LGBTQ+ event - so he believed Wilson would possibly be open to discussing it.

Rebel made the comments at the 2022 AACTA Awards (Getty Images for AFI)

He added: "But we mishandled steps in our approach."

He explained: "My email was never intended to be a threat but to make it clear I was sufficiently confident with my information and to open a conversation."

Editor Bevan Shields later made a statement, saying: "Our weekly Private Sydney celebrity column last week asked Wilson if she wished to comment about her new partner.

"We would have asked the same questions had Wilson's new partner been a man. To say that the Herald 'outed' Wilson is wrong," he wrote in an article titled 'A note on Rebel Wilson'.

The paper took aim at her relationship with Ramona (Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com)

Rebel went public with Ramona back in June, penning on Instagram: "I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince … but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess."

She recently welcomed her first child via surrogate, a beautiful baby daughter.

Announcing the news last month, she said: "Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate [heart emoji].

"I can’t even describe the love I have for her, she’s a beautiful miracle! I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved, (you know who you are), this has been years in the making…

"But particularly wanted to thank my gorgeous surrogate who carried her and birthed her with such grace and care.

"Thank you for helping me start my own family, it’s an amazing gift. The BEST gift!! (sic)."

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033.

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