Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar Uncovers Belle Gibson’s Shocking Wellness Scam

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  • The Shocking True Story of Belle Gibson’s Salacious Scam

Kaitlyn Dever, known for her exceptional talent and versatility, has progressively solidified her status as one of the most captivating young actors across both TV and film. Notably, she’s been featured in popular series and movies such as “Justified”, “Last Man Standing”, “Dopesick”, the upcoming season 2 of “The Last of Us”, “Ticket to Paradise”, “Booksmart”, and “No One Will Save You”. Her performances have earned her two Golden Globe nominations and a Primetime Emmy, showcasing her remarkable skill and influence in Hollywood.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that my next anticipated venture is the Netflix crime drama mini-series titled “Apple Cider Vinegar.” In this gripping tale, I step into the shoes of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness guru who once ruled the social media landscape with her holistic empire. However, in 2015, the veil was lifted when it was exposed that she had been a fraud, having lied about her battle with terminal cancer and the use of alternative treatments to cure it. This series promises to delve deep into the intriguing narrative of Gibson’s scandalous past, offering audiences a captivating journey through her questionable history.

‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Is Netflix’s Latest Crime Drama Sensation

Acting powerhouse Kaitlyn Dever, who’s garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her exceptional talent, will captivate audiences once more as the lead in the Netflix crime drama titled “Apple Cider Vinegar“. This gripping series narrates the authentic tale of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer, and her friend Milla Blake (played by Alycia Debnam-Carey). They aspired to gain fame on social media platforms by offering guidance on health and fitness journeys. To boost their online presence and expand their wellness empire, Gibson falsely claimed to be battling cancer which she allegedly treated through alternative therapies.

Based on Samantha Strauss’s work (Nine Perfect Strangers) and inspired by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano’s book The Woman Who Fooled the World, this six-episode miniseries has been highly appreciated for Dever’s captivating portrayal of a disgraced former social media influencer. It also stands out for its compelling narrative and incisive commentary about wellness trends and culture. The series, titled Apple Cider Vinegar, largely draws on real events and satirizes the scandalous life and enduring impact of Gibson, exposing how her complex web of deceit eventually unraveled, causing her fake empire to crumble.

The Shocking True Story of Belle Gibson’s Salacious Scam

In the initial years of Instagram and social media during the 2010s, Belle Gibson gained popularity as one of the earliest wellness advocates. She rose to prominence when she asserted that she had effectively treated her terminal brain cancer using alternative treatments, supplements, and healthy eating habits. After becoming a mother at the tender age of 18 in 2009, Gibson sought online recognition and launched the “The Whole Pantry” app in 2013, which was honored as Apple’s Best Food and Drink App that year. She further leveraged this success by publishing a companion cookbook, generating approximately $1 million from the app and book sales by 2015.

As I soared in my acting career, I took to chronicling my tumultuous fight against cancer on my blog, “The Whole Pantry.” In numerous interviews, I revealed that I was diagnosed with a variety of aggressive cancers, such as kidney, spleen, liver, and brain (to name a few), which I attributed to the Gardasil vaccine for cervical cancer. Instead of opting for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, I claimed to have triumphed over these life-threatening illnesses by embracing natural remedies, wholesome diets, and unconventional science. Additionally, I falsely reported that I had experienced a stroke and underwent numerous heart surgeries.

In February 2015, Gibson’s long-running deception was exposed by her friend Chanelle McAuliffe, who confronted her about the numerous falsehoods and inaccuracies she had been spreading. McAuliffe accused Gibson of running a scam and pretending to have cancer. When Gibson refused to confess, McAuliffe went to the police and the media with her concerns. Journalists Nick Toscano and Beau Donelly from a Melbourne newspaper received a tip-off that Gibson had fabricated her cancer diagnosis. By April 2015, with her empire crumbling and social media presence dwindling, Gibson finally admitted to lying about having terminal cancer, confessing to Australian Women’s Weekly.

As a film critic, I found myself utterly captivated, yet bewildered by this cinematic masterpiece. The narrative wasn’t just a story – it was a mirror reflecting my own life. It challenged me to question what I thought I knew and what was actually real. This movie wasn’t just a spectacle I watched; it was an experience I lived. And as much as I yearn for the audience to acknowledge, “Yes, she’s human. She’s been through so much, and she’s bravely shared her truth. Now, let her find peace and grow.

Previously, Gibson falsely declared that she donated a large portion of her earnings from The Whole Pantry to charity. Following a scandalous incident where these claims were proven false, the Federal Court of Australia fined her $410,000, labeling her actions as “predatory” and “deceitful on a massive scale for personal gain.” Gibson has not been criminally charged for this scheme and has yet to settle her penalty. In an interview with A Current Affair in February 2024, she said at a gas station: “Show some compassion. I haven’t paid what I owe because I can’t afford it.” Incidentally, Apple Cider Vinegar is now available on Netflix.

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2025-02-08 02:02