The Rise and Fall of Belle Gibson; A Netflix Drama on Wellness Fraud
The Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar dramatises the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer through a healthy diet. The six-part series, starring Kaitlyn Dever as Gibson, explores how she built a lucrative empire by selling her story, recipes, and app The Whole Pantry, amassing thousands of followers before her lies were exposed.
Gibson’s deception began in 2013 when she joined Instagram as “Healing Belle,” sharing posts about her supposed cancer journey and natural remedies. Her app and cookbook gained significant traction, earning her half a million dollars in less than two years. However, in 2015, investigative journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano revealed that Gibson had not donated to charities as promised and had fabricated her cancer diagnosis. In 2017, she was fined $410,000 AUD for misleading and deceptive conduct but has yet to pay the full amount.
The series also introduces a fictionalised rivalry between Gibson and Milla, a character inspired by real-life wellness guru Jess Ainscough, who genuinely battled cancer using alternative therapies. While the show portrays Milla exposing Gibson, in reality, the two had minimal interaction. Gibson’s downfall was accelerated by her inner circle’s growing suspicions, including a staged seizure at her son’s birthday party, which further raised doubts about her claims.
Apple Cider Vinegar serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of wellness misinformation and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking hope. The series is now available on Netflix.
Where is the real Belle Gibson who inspired Apple Cider Vinegar now?
Her story is being told in the Netflix drama
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Apple Cider Vinegar review – the wild wellness scammer who claimed she beat cancer with healthy living
Kaitlyn Dever gives a masterly performance in this fast, witty and furious dramatisation of the life of influencer and fake health guru Belle Gibson
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The True Story Behind Apple Cider Vinegar
How Belle Gibson got caught faking cancer and why she may have faked cancer in the first place.
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Did Belle Gibson Actually Have Cancer? Inside the 'Apple Cider Vinegar' True Story and the Influencer's Real-Life Disease-Curing Scam
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Apple Cider Vinegar isn't just cashing in on Belle Gibson's scam
Netflix's new six-part drama tells the story of the Australian influencer who claimed she beat cancer via a healthier lifestyle
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Apple Cider Vinegar: How Instagram wellness guru Belle Gibson faked cancer – and caused a scandal
New Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar tells the story of an influencer who lied about having a terminal illness to promote alternative therapies. A d
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Apple Cider Vinegar for Health: Top 4 Health Benefits You Should Know About
Thinking about jumping on the apple cider vinegar health trend? Read this before you do.
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