In Wellington, New Zealand, a decade has passed since wellness influencer Belle Gibson confessed that she did not have terminal brain cancer, a condition she claimed was resolved through a healthy lifestyle that contributed to her rise to fame. Her controversial story has now fueled a new Netflix series, which has reignited discussions and outrage in Australia regarding the circumstances surrounding her case and its unresolved nature.
This week, officials revealed they are still pursuing Gibson for unpaid fines, amplifying the ongoing frustration among Australians regarding what is regarded as one of the country’s most audacious online frauds. This incident has highlighted the detrimental effects of false health claims proliferating across social media platforms.
Titled “Apple Cider Vinegar,” Netflix’s dramatization of Gibson’s story premiered recently but notably does not address the aftermath of the 2015 revelation that she was never actually sick. In reality, Gibson has not faced any criminal charges related to her claims. However, in 2017, an Australian federal court ordered her to pay a fine of 410,000 Australian dollars, equivalent to around $261,000, for funds she had claimed she would donate to charity but ultimately withheld. Authorities in the state of Victoria are actively working to recoup these funds, as confirmed by a spokesperson.
Gibson garnered significant attention with her healthy recipe app, The Whole Pantry, which amassed 200,000 downloads in just one month in 2013. She promised that the proceeds from the app and her cookbook, released by a Penguin imprint, would support charities as well as the family of a child battling cancer. However, only a mere 2% of the total earnings was actually donated, leading to her being found in violation of consumer laws. A court ruling mandated that she refund the remaining contributions and prohibited her from making any further health claims.
In a written statement to the court, Gibson indicated that she was experiencing financial difficulties, was unemployed, and unable to pay the necessary costs. According to a statement from Consumer Affairs Victoria, efforts continue to recover the debt owed by Gibson following the court’s order, although the statement did not specify whether any funds had been successfully recovered. Authorities have conducted two raids at Gibson’s residence in attempts to seize assets, but the outcomes of those raids have not been disclosed.
Attempts to reach Gibson for comments have been unsuccessful, as she has remained silent publicly for years and has not participated in the Netflix show, either financially or otherwise. Jacinta Allan, the Premier of Victoria, expressed disappointment this month that the case remains unresolved but reassured that the authorities would persist in their efforts.
Journalist Richard Guilliatt, who first reported on Gibson’s dishonesty in 2015, noted that the absence of legal repercussions continues to incite anger towards her. He remarked that the situation feels like an “open wound,” and while Gibson has faced intense public shame, he hopes that people will eventually move on from the incident.
Although Gibson has not faced new charges, her actions have prompted significant changes within Australia. The code governing therapeutic health claims was significantly revised in 2022, and violations can now incur substantial fines, a shift some experts attribute to Gibson’s actions. There are now stricter regulations regarding endorsements of health products by individuals who claim expertise.
The series has evoked mixed reactions from Australians, being praised for its critique of online wellness culture while attracting dissent from individuals connected to the actual events it portrays. The show, referred to as a “true-ish story, based on a lie,” focuses exclusively on Gibson as the sole real character depicted.
Col Ainscough, a Queensland resident whose family members tragically succumbed to cancer, criticized the series for its insensitivity. He highlighted that a fictional family in the show mirrors his own heartbreaking story. Ainscough condemned the production as “insensitive and clearly profit-driven,” drawing attention to the very real human suffering behind the sensationalized narrative.
Meanwhile, Premier Allan remarked that real individuals have endured devastating losses due to Gibson’s actions, urging consideration for the actual lives impacted. Despite the criticism, the case remains a topic of intrigue as one of Australia’s most audacious online scams. Guilliatt expressed hope that the incident serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the need for vigilance against dubious health advice found online.
