The Netflix miniseries ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ reignites discussions about Belle Gibson’s deceptive claims and their impact on the wellness community.
Belle Gibson has resurfaced in public discourse following the release of the Netflix miniseries “Apple Cider Vinegar,” which portrays her controversial life and the fraudulent claims surrounding her supposed cancer journey. The six-part series, which premiered on February 6, stars Kaitlyn Dever as Gibson and Alycia Debnam-Carey as Milla, another cancer influencer known for her authentic battle with the illness.
Gibson first entered the spotlight in 2012 when she claimed to have cured her brain cancer through a regimen of healthy eating, clean living, and positive thinking. This narrative was encapsulated in her 2014 recipe book, “The Whole Pantry,” which became widely popular among wellness enthusiasts. However, it was later discovered that Gibson had fabricated her cancer diagnosis and the associated charitable claims, leading to the book’s withdrawal from publication by Penguin in 2015.
As interest in her story reignited due to the Netflix series, previous readers and new viewers have begun seeking out copies of “The Whole Pantry.” This surge in demand has led to listings on online auction site eBay, where some copies sell for astonishing amounts, reaching prices as high as $400 each. The competitive nature of these listings shows a starting bid of around $50, with some auctions attracting nearly 30 bidders.
Despite the extensive media coverage and the eventual legal repercussions she faced, Gibson’s situation continues to be a point of confusion and frustration among viewers of “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Many have taken to social media platforms, notably X, to express their astonishment that Gibson did not serve jail time for her actions. One user raised the question, “What do you mean Belle Gibson didn’t get any jail time? WTF!!”.
In 2017, the Federal Court of Australia ruled against Gibson, ordering her to pay AU$410,000 (approximately US$257,000) for her deceptive claims of charitable donations. However, it has been reported that she has yet to settle her fines, which, combined with legal fees, amount to around half a million dollars (US$313,000). In the years since the court ruling, she has continued to live a relatively uneventful life in suburban Melbourne as a single mother, raising questions among the public regarding her unpunished actions.
As the miniseries gains popularity, responses to “Apple Cider Vinegar” have highlighted both the intrigue and the moral outrage surrounding Gibson’s life. While some viewers find the storytelling compelling, others struggle to reconcile the entertainment with the underlying truth of her deception. One social media user remarked, “Some people can lie lie oh my goodness. She should have been sent to jail,” while another echoed the calls for accountability, stating, “The question is why is Bella Gibson not in jail?!”
Overall, the release of the Netflix series has reignited interest in Belle Gibson’s story, prompting discussions about her past and the implications of her actions on the wellness community and beyond.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Gibson – This URL corroborates Belle Gibson’s rise to fame through her wellness app and cookbook, as well as her fabricated cancer claims and subsequent legal issues.
- https://time.com/7213216/apple-cider-vinegar-true-story-netflix/ – This article supports the release of the Netflix miniseries ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ and its portrayal of Belle Gibson’s life, highlighting her fraudulent claims and their impact.
- https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/tmlaw.pdf – Although not directly related to Belle Gibson, this document provides general legal context regarding deceptive practices and could be relevant in understanding the legal framework surrounding Gibson’s case.
- https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-9 – Similar to the USPTO document, this URL offers insight into legal standards and procedures for evaluating deceptive conduct, though it is not specifically about Belle Gibson.
- https://www.ebay.com – This URL is relevant to the surge in demand for ‘The Whole Pantry’ cookbook on eBay, where copies are selling for high prices due to renewed interest in Belle Gibson’s story.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is relatively fresh due to the recent release of the Netflix miniseries ‘Apple Cider Vinegar.’ However, the core events discussed (e.g., Belle Gibson’s fraud and legal repercussions) occurred several years ago.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
There are no direct quotes from specific individuals that could be verified against earlier sources. Social media reactions are mentioned but lack specific attribution.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a well-known publication, the Daily Mail, which generally provides reliable information. However, the lack of direct quotes and specific sources for some claims slightly reduces the reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Belle Gibson’s past and the Netflix series are plausible and align with historical events. The public’s reaction to her story is also consistent with expected responses to such deception.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is generally reliable, with a fresh context provided by the Netflix miniseries. The lack of direct quotes and some reliance on general public reactions are minor drawbacks, but overall, the information aligns with known facts about Belle Gibson’s case.
