Who Is Belle Gibson? The True Apple Cider Vinegar Story

Netflix

If you’re on the hunt for a new series to binge-watch this week, we have to put you on Netflix’s newest original, Apple Cider Vinegar.

The six-part limited series is based on a shockingly true story about Australian influencer, Belle Gibson.

Gibson grew a following of millions on social media after she claimed that she had successfully been cured of brain cancer by turning away from conventional medical treatments.

She made people believe that through diet, wellness and alternative therapies, she was was able to get rid of the tumour that doctors had told her would kill her in months.

The truth was that Belle never had cancer. She also claimed to have donated $300,000 to various charities, when in fact, she donated a mere $7,000.

Netflix

After already reaching many real cancer patients and delaying their medical treatments, gaining millions of followers on social media and signing business deals with Apple and Penguin books, Gibson’s lies were exposed.

Now, the story is being told through Apple Cider Vinegar, Netflix’s latest limited series. Samantha Stuass, the creator and writer of the show, has made it clear that Gibson is not receiving money from the series.

A disclaimer at the start of each episode reminds viewers that, “This is a true story based on a lie. Some names have been changed to protect the innocent. Belle Gibson has not been paid for the recreation of her story.”

Kaitlyn Dever, the actor who plays Belle, then looks away from the camera and mutters, “fuckers”.

In April 2015, an investigation was conducted by Consumer Affairs Victoria to see if Belle had constituted consumer fraud. She was found to have violated the Australian Consumer Law Act and was fined $410,000 for “unconscionable conduct,” which she has yet to pay.

Gibson is believed to currently still be living in Melbourne. Her social media accounts are inactive or deleted.

The series is currently available to stream on Netflix, if you’re in the market for something new – and shocking – to watch.