The spotlight is on Belle Gibson once again with the release of Netflix’s new series, Apple Cider Vinegar, and it has fans questioning the true story behind the series.
Belle initially became somewhat of a household name after she amassed an Instagram following in the hundreds of thousands back in 2013 when she shared her story of beating cancer through natural means. From there, she launched a best-selling wellness app and a cookbook.
However, it was later revealed that Belle never actually had cancer in the first place.
This is the true story behind Apple Cider Vinegar’s Belle and how she faked cancer to profit financially.
Did Belle Gibson actually have cancer?
No. Belle told her followers that she was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009 and later, in 2014, added that she’d also been diagnosed with cancer in her “blood, spleen, brain, uterus, and liver”.
Belle launched a wellness app based on the success of her Instagram account. It was an instant hit, receiving a number one rating in the App Store during its debut month and was named Apple’s “best food and drink” app of 2013.
After that, she signed a book deal for The Whole Pantry cookbook with an advance of $132,000.
Belle publicly said that she’d donate “a large part of everything” to charities. However, according to the Sydney Morning Herald at least five charities that she’d named had no record of receiving any money from her.
In 2015, Belle’s friend Chanelle McAuliffe confronted her with doubts over her cancer claims. Belle refused to come forward, so Chantelle reported her to the police, a lawyer and an investigative journalist. It was The Age who first published details about Belle’s cancer scam.
After the article was published, Belle appeared in a culture-shaping interview with Tara Brown on 60 Minutes, where she admitted that she’d never had cancer.
Was Belle Gibson punished for her cancer lies?
Belle didn’t face criminal charges for her cancer scam. However, Consumer Affairs Victoria sued her in Melbourne federal court in 2016 for violating Australian Consumer Law.
She was fined $410,000 for misleading conduct regarding her health and charitable donations. According to the Herald Sun, Belle hasn’t paid anything.
Stream Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix.
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