
New Netflix Series Explores the Shocking True Story of Belle Gibson
If you are a fan of true crime stories, prepare to immerse yourself in a captivating new series titled Apple Cider Vinegar, set to debut on Netflix. This show is inspired by the disturbing real-life tale of Belle Gibson, a so-called “wellness”influencer who falsely claimed to be battling cancer.
Trailer Highlights Deception
The recently released trailer unveils a pivotal moment where Belle, played by Kaitlyn Dever, is confronted about the authenticity of her cancer diagnosis. Her response? “You’d have to be an actual sociopath to do that, and I am not.”However, the reality is that Gibson’s entire narrative was fabricated.
Rise to Fame
Originally hailing from Australia, Belle Gibson emerged as one of the first significant social media influencers, amassing a massive following on Instagram. Her narrative of suffering from multiple types of cancer captivated countless followers, many of whom were drawn in by her seemingly vibrant lifestyle portrayed in sun-soaked photos. The illusion of health amidst her tragic story was a stark contradiction.
Manipulation and Misinformation
Despite the initial acceptance of Gibson’s claims, troubling signs began to surface. She spread disinformation about vaccines, controversially linking the Gardasil vaccine to her alleged cancer diagnoses, while promoting alternative treatments like raw milk and “wellness” techniques. Her misleading messages ensnared vulnerable individuals, including cancer patients desperate for hope. One follower reflected on her impact: “I thought maybe she’s got the right idea; maybe I’m doing it all wrong,” expressing her feelings of despair amid her own treatment struggles.
Commercial Ventures and Exposed Lies
In 2013, Gibson launched a popular food app titled The Whole Pantry, which offered health-focused recipes and was honored as Apple’s Best Food and Drink App of the year. A subsequent cookbook promised over 80 scrumptious recipes to promote health. Yet, even as she marketed these products, Gibson continued to propagate her false narrative on social media, claiming to suffer from additional cancers.
The Unraveling of the Truth
Things took a turn when it was revealed that Gibson failed to fulfill her commitment to charitable donations, prompting scrutiny into her claims. Journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano from The Age began investigating, leading to a series of increasingly pressing questions regarding her health. As her deceptions were put under the microscope, Gibson struggled to maintain her story. Ultimately, she confessed to The Women’s Weekly magazine, stating, “None of it’s true,” while grappling with her grip on reality.
The Legacy of a Fraud
Belle Gibson has since become synonymous with one of the most notorious scandals in social media history. The investigative duo, Donelly and Toscano, later authored a book entitled The Woman Who Fooled the World, which serves as a foundational influence for Apple Cider Vinegar.
What to Expect from the Series
While Netflix markets the series as “a true-ish story based on a lie,” it has made notable adjustments to the narrative. One significant change is the introduction of a new character, portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey. This fictional influencer, Milla Blake, actually has cancer and serves as Gibson’s primary competitor for attention throughout the series.
Anticipation Builds
As audiences gear up for its release, many are eager to discover how the series will interpret this astonishing true story. Apple Cider Vinegar is set to premiere on February 6, and viewers will soon find out what other creative liberties the series may take.
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