WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Nearly ten years after social media influencer Belle Gibson confessed that her claims of having terminal brain cancer were false, the unresolved aspects of her controversial story have been reignited by a new Netflix series inspired by her life. Gibson’s assertions of recovering through a healthy lifestyle garnered significant attention, leading to an ongoing wave of outrage in Australia over the apparent lack of resolution concerning her case.
This week, officials affirmed that they continue to pursue Gibson for outstanding fines, further fueling public anger regarding what many see as one of the most notorious scams to emerge from the digital world in Australia. This incident highlighted the severe repercussions that arise from disseminating false health information on social media platforms. The recently released Netflix series, titled Apple Cider Vinegar, dramatizes Gibson’s story but opts not to delve into the aftermath of the public revelation that she had never been ill, which came to light in 2015. To date, she has not faced any criminal charges.
In 2017, however, a ruling from Australia’s federal court imposed a fine of 410,000 Australian dollars (approximately $261,000) on Gibson for money she had claimed to raise for charitable purposes but had not contributed. According to a spokesperson from the consumer watchdog agency in Victoria, efforts to recover this money remain ongoing.
Gibson’s wellness application, The Whole Pantry, had a successful surge in downloads, reaching 200,000 within the first month of its launch in the Apple store back in 2013. She had declared that the proceeds from her app and cookbook, which was published by a major publishing house, would be donated to various charities and to a family affected by cancer. However, reports indicated that a mere 2% of the funds were actually donated, prompting legal action against her for violating consumer laws. A judge mandated that she return the remaining funds and prohibited her from making further health-related claims. In a letter submitted to the court, Gibson expressed her financial struggles, noting that she was unemployed and unable to repay her debts.
In a recent statement from Consumer Affairs Victoria, officials indicated that they continue to take actions to enforce the court-ordered debt owed by Gibson. However, they did not provide updates on any funds that may have been recovered. Authorities executed two search warrant raids on Gibson’s residence in attempts to seize her assets, although details regarding any outcomes from those operations were not disclosed.
Gibson has remained out of the public eye for several years and did not respond to requests for comment about the Netflix series. Jacinta Allan, the Premier of Victoria, expressed her disappointment that the case has not been fully resolved and assured reporters that authorities would continue their efforts to hold Gibson accountable.
The journalist who first exposed Gibson’s fraudulent claims noted that the absence of legal repercussions continues to fuel public animosity towards her. He remarked that the situation resembles an unresolved issue that weighs heavily on those affected.
While Gibson has not faced any additional charges, her case prompted significant changes in Australia’s regulations concerning therapeutic health claims, which were significantly revamped in 2022. Disregarding these updated standards can result in substantial fines, with some analysts suggesting that Gibson’s actions contributed to these reforms. Now, paid endorsements for health-related products are banned, and individuals claiming expertise in health matters are prohibited from promoting such products.
The Netflix series has received mixed reviews, praised for its critique of online wellness culture but criticized by some individuals connected to the real events. The show is presented as a “true-ish story, based on a lie,” with Gibson being the only real individual portrayed. A Queensland resident, who lost his family members to cancer, condemned the show for including characters that mirrored his tragic experiences, calling it both insensitive and profit-driven.
The controversy surrounding Gibson’s saga continues to captivate audiences and serves as a reminder of the implications of fraudulent health claims. Journalists speculate that the unfolding story may serve as an important lesson about the dangers of readily believing health advice found online.
