Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar: Belle Gibson's Lies & Child - Explained
Does the story of Belle Gibson, the wellness influencer who fabricated a cancer battle, have a hidden truth? The answer is a resounding yes, her deception extended far beyond health claims, encompassing her personal life, including the existence of a child.
The narrative of Belle Gibson, once a celebrated figure in the wellness community, has been resurrected, not in the form of a triumphant comeback, but as a cautionary tale. Netflix's "Apple Cider Vinegar," a dramatization of her infamous fraud, has catapulted her story back into the public consciousness. The film, which quickly climbed the streamer's top 10 charts, serves as a stark reminder of how easily deception can flourish in the age of social media and how devastating the consequences of such lies can be. The film, starring Kaitlyn Dever, delves into Gibson's fabricated claims of battling and overcoming cancer through diet and alternative therapies, while the reality of the situation is a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation.
| Full Name | Annabelle Natalie Gibson |
| Known As | Belle Gibson |
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1991 (as per birth certificate) |
| Place of Birth | Brisbane, Australia |
| Key Accomplishments | Founded "The Whole Pantry" app, amassed a large Instagram following. |
| Controversies | Falsely claimed to have cancer and defrauded followers and charities. |
| Children | Olivier Corbett (born July 2010) |
| Relationships | Nathan Corbett (father of Olivier), Clive Rothwell |
| Current Status | Lives in Melbourne, Australia; involved in the Ethiopian community under the name Sabontu. |
| Reference Website | The Guardian - Belle Gibson: the full story of the woman who fooled the world |
The unfolding of Gibson's deception began with the launch of her Instagram account, @healing_belle, in 2012. Claiming to have been diagnosed with brain cancer, she promoted her lifestyle and dietary interventions as cures. Within a year, she had amassed a following of 200,000, captivated by her narrative of survival and recovery. Fueling the narrative, she launched "The Whole Pantry" mobile app in August 2013, further solidifying her status as a wellness guru. The app became a platform for her claims and a revenue stream, with thousands of users drawn to her purported healthy lifestyle.
A critical aspect of her personal life is the birth of her son, Olivier Corbett, in July 2010. This event coincided with, or perhaps even preceded, the proliferation of her deceptive claims. The film subtly portrays the relationship between Belle and Nathan Corbett, Olivier's father. Following a move from Perth to Melbourne in July 2009, Gibson became a mother at 18. Olivier has been raised primarily by his mother, with support from his father, Nathan Corbett, and Gibsons long-time companion, Clive Rothwell. This aspect of her life, often overshadowed by her public persona, provides a deeper insight into the woman behind the facade. In the Netflix show, her son is portrayed by several young actors at different ages. It also shows how she made a false statement that she had a miscarriage in 2012 while in a relationship with Clive Rothwell.
The faade began to crumble in 2015 when questions about her health claims surfaced. Investigations revealed that Gibson's cancer diagnosis was false, and the money she had raised for charity through her app and cookbook was not delivered. This exposed her as a fraud, leading to a swift decline in her public image and an avalanche of criticism. Her "wellness" empire crumbled overnight, leaving a trail of broken trust and financial ruin.
The real-life Belle Gibsons narrative is as complicated as the films depiction. Originally from Brisbane, she lived in Perth in 2008 before moving to Melbourne in 2009. It was there that she met and started a relationship with a tradesman named Nathan Corbett, which eventually led to the birth of their son, Olivier, in July 2010. The Netflix adaptation loosely mirrors her relationships, with Julian Weeks portraying Nathan Corbett.
The film also highlights the role of Gibson's mother, and also gives more insight of her personal life that was built on deceit. For example, the film depicts her mother's absence from a baby shower, reflecting the strains of Gibson's manipulative behavior. While Gibson has largely retreated from public view, occasional media investigations have found her residing in Melbourne. In 2020, she was reportedly involved in the Ethiopian community under the name Sabontu, speaking about her role in the community.
The narrative around her son is central to understanding the story. The storyline prompts viewers to wonder whether Belle had a son. Indeed, she did. Having a child shortly after moving from Perth to Melbourne, at the age of 18, she became a mother. The birth of Olivier, around the same time her deception began to be reported, added another layer to the story. This narrative thread further humanizes the story.
Beyond the immediate impact of the scandal, Gibsons actions raise broader questions about the ethics of social media and the responsibility of influencers. Her story serves as a case study on how readily untruths can spread and how easily vulnerable people can be misled. It is an example of how a social media empire can be built on lies and then crumble just as quickly.
The Netflix film portrays a young mother, whose son has been diagnosed with a rare illness. Her story serves as a reminder of the very real consequences of the actions of those who would exploit the trust placed in them. The drama adds to the impact of the original scandal, humanizing those affected and exposing the ripple effects of Gibson's deceptions.
Gibson's story is a cautionary tale in the digital age. The wellness industry, in particular, has been vulnerable to misinformation, and Gibsons case underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability. This includes greater awareness of the impact of misinformation, especially on vulnerable individuals seeking health solutions, and to demand more accountability from social media platforms.
In the end, Gibsons story serves as a warning, reminding us to approach the narratives we consume with skepticism, especially those that promise easy answers or miraculous recoveries. It also reveals the complexity of the situation where Gibson's lies are juxtaposed against her role as a young mother. It is a reminder that even within the most elaborate fabrications, personal relationships and responsibilities can exist.
