Netflix’s latest six-part series, Apple Cider Vinegar, is already sparking intense reactions from viewers, with many calling it “bonkers” and “insane.” The drama, which delves into the controversial life of Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson, follows the story of two women who use health and wellness to build influential online personas. However, the story quickly unravels as the truth behind their claims comes to light.
Set during the early days of Instagram, Apple Cider Vinegar traces the rise of Gibson, who falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer through diet and alternative therapies. She went on to launch a successful app, The Whole Pantry, which sold for $3.79 AUD and was downloaded over 300,000 times, generating more than $1 million AUD in revenue. Gibson’s story captivated a global audience, but it was soon revealed to be a complete fabrication.
The show stars Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson and Alycia Debham-Carey as Milla Blake, a character whose rivalry with Gibson accelerates the deception. The drama, based on the book The Woman Who Fooled The World by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscan, unravels Gibson’s web of lies. In 2015, it was exposed that Gibson never had cancer and never donated proceeds from her app to charity, as she had claimed. In response, she was fined $410,000 AUD for misleading conduct.
Later, in 2019, Gibson controversially claimed to have been “adopted” by Melbourne’s Ethiopian Oromo community and changed her name to Sabontu. However, her past caught up with her when community leader Dr. Tarekegn Chimdi demanded she leave, stating that it was concerning for someone outside the community to use its name.
The series, while inspired by real events, takes creative liberties. The character Milla is fictional, though loosely based on Jess Ainscough, the wellness blogger behind The Wellness Warrior, who also promoted alternative cancer treatments and passed away from cancer in 2015.
Since its release on February 6, Apple Cider Vinegar has already captured the attention of viewers, many of whom are left stunned by the shocking revelations portrayed. One viewer tweeted, “Watching Apple Cider Vinegar and realizing that some of these wellness gurus who peddle false medical information need to go to jail.” Another described the first episode as “bonkers.” Amid the buzz, Kaitlyn Dever’s performance—particularly her Australian accent—has also been praised.
As the series continues to unfold, viewers are left questioning the dangerous allure of wellness culture and the consequences of misleading the public in the pursuit of fame and fortune.
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