Netflix's new limited series, "Apple Cider Vinegar," dives deepinto the life of Belle Gibson, the Australian wellness influencer who fabricated claims about curing terminal brain cancer through diet and alternative medicine. Following its release, the show has quickly captured viewers' attention, ranking among Netflix's Top 10. But how much of Gibson's story is fact, and how much is fiction?
At the heart of the narrative lies the alarming truth about Gibson's rise to fame. Initially launched as the creator of the critically acclaimed app, The Whole Pantry, Gibson grabbed headlines by claiming she had successfully battled brain cancer. Her app, voted Apple's Best Food and Drink App of 2013, was marketed as the world's first health, wellness, and lifestyle application, touting recipes and holistic healing. With her newfound celebrity status, Gibson claimed to have donated 25% of her profits to charity, amounting to around $300,000—a claim proven to be utterly false. Remarkably, she donated less than $10,000 from estimated earnings of $420,000.
"Apple Cider Vinegar" chronicles Gibson's intriguing story but raises several questions, especially surrounding her alleged miscarriage portrayed in episode three. Journalist Justin, played by one of the show's characters, refers to this life event as Belle's 'alleged miscarriage.' This portrayal adds layers of complexity to the character's actions and motives.
Real-life accounts suggest Gibson suffered a miscarriage during her relationship with Clive Rothwell. Gibson's acknowledgment of this tragedy has been inconsistent, with significant public skepticism about her veracity throughout her career. Despite questioning her motives during the show, reports indicate Gibson did experience this heartbreaking event.
Gibson's struggles with honesty and authenticity are poignantly brought to life through her chaotic relationships, especially with her mother, Natalie. Depicted dramatically within the series, their relationship is fraught with tension. Natalie is characterized as unsupportive, often dismissing Belle's undertakings and expressing embarrassment over her daughter's actions. Such sentiments align with Natalie’s real-life statements, where she claimed to provide her daughter with everything she ever wanted.
The Netflix series does not shy away from exposing how Belle's past shaped her future. According to Belle herself, her childhood was marred by turmoil; her mother suffered from multiple sclerosis, and her brother faced difficulties which Gibson claimed forced her to take on adult responsibilities too early. "When I started school, my mum went, ‘my daughter is grown up now'" Belle stated. Critics have since called these narratives 'rubbish,' particularly her mother's responses during interviews, which paint the picture of Gibson as capable of orchestrate stories of her struggles for sympathy.
Before long, the truth about Gibson unraveled. Journalists Beau Donnelly and Nick Toscano played pivotal roles by investigating her supposed charitable donations and deceitful claims surrounding her health. Their rigorous research culminated in the book, "The Woman Who Fooled the World," which forms the foundation for "Apple Cider Vinegar." They uncovered not just the discrepancies about her donations but her entire fabricated narrative about terminal illness. Gibson's admissions came crashing down, leading to civil suits and repercussions from Australian Consumer Law investigations—despite not facing criminal charges.
The psychological explorations of Gibson's life hinted at possible Munchausen syndrome, as her fabrications became more elaborate. Her tumultuous relationship with Clive Rothwell is portrayed with contrasting perspectives, illustrating how he stood by her, even when evidence of her deception surfaced. Rothwell's unwavering support dissipated following the public scandal, guiding him to eventually part ways with Gibson as tensions rose.
Despite litigation and fines totaling nearly $500,000 for misleading consumers, Gibson portrays no remorse, dodging accountability with evasive maneuvers. Unsubstantiated sightings of her living among communities advocating for Oromo rights raised eyebrows and prompted critiques about her exploitation of vulnerable communities.
"Apple Cider Vinegar" serves as both cautionary tale and narrative exploration about the unchecked power of wellness culture and media's role highlighting sensational figures without vetting their claims. The dramatic retelling of Belle Gibson beckons viewers to reflect on authenticity and the ramifications of misinformation, especially within the wellness industry.
While the series has fired up discussions about its integrity and the ethical responsibility associated with wellness influencers, Gibson's true legacy remains muddied by half-truths and deceit. Viewers are left pondering where her next act will lead her and the communities she touches, or deceives, along the way.