The new series of Netflix, “Apple Cider Vinegar”, has generated great anticipation as it is based on a true story that shocked the wellness community. The six-episode miniseries follows the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian influencer who built an empire based on a lie.
Gibson claimed that she had cured her terminal cancer with a healthy diet and alternative therapies. Belle Gibson gained notoriety in the early days of Instagram with her account @healing_belle, where she shared her supposed healing journey. Quickly, her story captured the attention of thousands of people, leading her to launch her app "The Whole Pantry" and publish a book with the same name.
Everything You Need to Know About the Incredible History of “Apple Cider Vinegar”
Her tips on healthy living and wellness turned Gibson into an influential figure in the alternative health industry. However, in 2015, two Australian journalists, Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, investigated her story and discovered that not only had she never had cancer, but she had also lied about the donations she promised to make to charities.
The series, starring Kaitlyn Dever as Belle, portrays how the influencer managed to deceive her followers, brands, and even tech giants like Apple, which included her app in the demo version of the first Apple Watch.
Additionally, explore the impact of her lie on the people who trusted her and on the wellness movement on social media. One of the most unsettling aspects of the true story is that Gibson never showed remorse for her actions.
Justice Never Came for Belle Gibson
Even after being found guilty in 2017 of fraudulent and deceptive conduct, and receiving a fine of over 400 thousand dollars, she continued to evade payment and kept out of the public eye. In 2021, she still owed a large portion of the sum imposed by the government of Victoria.
“Apple Cider Vinegar” not only exposes the story of Belle Gibson but also raises a reflection on the danger of misinformation on social media and the ease with which a well-told lie can become a truth accepted by thousands. With a mix of drama and thriller elements, the series could become the next Netflix hit.