Apple Cider Vinegar Dramatizes Belle Gibson’s Rise and Fall as Wellness Fraud

LOS ANGELES, CA – The life of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who falsely claimed she cured her terminal cancer through diet, is the focus of a new drama series titled “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Released on Netflix on February 6, the six-part series explores how Gibson built her empire on deception.

Gibson, who rose to fame with her app “The Whole Pantry,” claimed to have a malignant brain tumor diagnosed in 2009. She boasted that she turned to alternative therapies after chemotherapy left her feeling ill. The app gained popularity, with 200,000 downloads in its first month, as Gibson shared recipes and wellness tips.

However, investigations revealed that Gibson’s cancer claims were false. Journalist Richard Guilliatt began probing Gibson’s story after he found inconsistencies and became suspicious when she implied during an interview that she might not have cancer at all. He recounted, “Christ almighty, Belle, you’re kidding, you actually don’t have cancer?” This revelation came after years of Gibson’s claims that her cancer had spread to multiple organs.

The portrayal of Gibson in the series parallels stories of other notorious con artists, highlighting the dangers of misinformation in the social media age. Actress Kaitlyn Dever portrays Gibson, emphasizing the gap between her influencer persona and the vulnerable individuals who trusted her. Lucy, a character based on one of Gibson’s followers, stops chemotherapy based on Gibson’s advice, which ultimately escalates the drama.

As journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano began their investigation, they uncovered that Gibson didn’t just mislead followers about her health; she also misappropriated funds supposedly raised for charities. Their findings, published in a 2015 article, led to negative media attention that ultimately shattered Gibson’s facade.

Investigative work revealed grim realities behind the wellness claims of influencers such as Gibson. The series encapsulates the broader issue of medical misinformation and the growing influence of unregulated social media platforms.

A poignant moment in the series depicts Gibson’s interaction with a woman whose son suffers from a rare cancer. Gibson promises to raise funds for treatment, but as journalists dig deeper, they uncover that no donations were ever made. This storyline highlights the severe consequences of Gibson’s deception, raising questions about morality in the wellness industry.

Gibson’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the power of social media, as well as the responsibility that comes with wielding influence over vulnerable individuals seeking hope.