The Netflix series titled “Apple Cider Vinegar” presents such an astonishing and bizarre tale that it seems almost unreal – but surprisingly, this program is based on real-life incidents.
In a six-part television series, Kaitlyn Dever plays the role of Belle Gibson, a popular Australian figure who amassed a significant online presence by sharing wellness advice and chronicling her health experiences.
According to her statement, Gibson has been coping with a serious brain tumor predominantly by adhering to a strict diet and alternative treatments, as conventional medical therapy has caused her significant adverse effects.
However, the truth is that Gibson never had cancer; her online business empire was built on a lie.
Even though she lacked concrete proof to back up her extraordinary assertions, she managed to secure agreements with prominent corporations and maintain a luxurious lifestyle, primarily due to her renown as a medical prodigy and survivor.
Apple Cider Vinegar’s origin is somewhat linked to the life story of Jessica Ainscough, characteristically referred to as Milla Blake in the series and portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey. Unlike Milla, Jessica Ainscough was a real individual who truly battled cancer.
Delve into the tale of these two remarkable women, unraveling their individual journeys and their significant meeting point, as portrayed in Apple Cider Vinegar, streaming now on Netflix.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar based on a true story?
Indeed, I’ve come across tales about Apple Cider Vinegar, but it’s more associated with the intriguing narrative of Belle Gibson. She was a prominent figure on social media who gained popularity under the belief that she had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer—a claim later proven false.
Under the username @Healing_Belle, she gained a large following numbering in the hundreds of thousands by sharing her personal journey. At first, this tale appeared to be both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
At the age of 20, Gibson revealed that she was diagnosed with a non-removable, cancerous brain growth, requiring her to endure two months of both chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Following severe adverse reactions, she decided to abandon traditional medical treatments and instead opted for addressing her health issue through alternative treatments and a disciplined, nutritious eating plan.
Starting in 2013, she began earning income by sharing her dairy-free, gluten-free, preservative-free, non-GMO, and sugar-free recipes and meal plans on a website and later an app called The Whole Pantry. This platform turned out to be incredibly popular.
Gibson resonated with a broad range of people, stirring sympathy for what seemed like her real struggles, yet inspiring them with her undaunted spirit and optimistic outlook amidst challenging circumstances.
People who personally dealt with cancer were among her fans, drawing inspiration from her tale of survival, living much longer than doctors initially anticipated (four months), all while avoiding intensive medical procedures and operations.
Some critics question whether individuals who follow Gibson’s approach might have postponed or declined traditional cancer treatments, potentially putting their lives at risk by opting for this method instead.
Regrettably, during her peak fame in 2013 and 2014, the influencer experienced surprisingly minimal examination. This period was marked by significant achievements such as signing a book deal with Penguin Australia and winning a ‘Fun, Fearless Female Award’ from Cosmopolitan.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share that at the zenith of her digital reign, my favorite creator, Gibson, had the privilege of programming an app that was among the chosen few tailored for the soon-to-be-released Apple Watch.
Simultaneously, a growing sense of apprehension was developing among traditional healthcare supporters, as they found it hard to believe that Gibson seemed so robust and full of life despite not receiving regular medical attention for her severe illness.
It so happened that among those affected was journalist Richard Guilliatt, whose personal experience with the disease came from having witnessed its impact on an individual when his spouse, Susan, had previously battled breast cancer.
He shared with the BBC for a documentary that he had been exploring the wellness trend since 2012. When he stumbled upon Belle Gibson’s assertions online, they sparked his immediate curiosity.
As someone who has delved into the world of wellness, conversing with numerous cancer specialists along the way, her assertion about that brain tumor instantly set off my internal alarm bells.
I exclaimed: “After five long years, one can hardly coexist with such a thing without seeking some form of intervention or care.
In the television series “Apple Cider Vinegar,” the character Justin (Mark Coles-Smith) seems to be a blend of three elements: one, the personal history shared by Guilliatt; two, the tenacity and investigative skills exhibited by Beau Donelly; and three, the dedication to truth and charity work similar to Nick Toscano.
Despite the portrayal in the series, it’s true that Guilliatt had a conversation with Gibson for an interview before her decline occurred.
In our discussion, she clarified that the Instagram post from July 2014 about her cancer spreading to her blood, spleen, uterus, and liver was incorrect, implying it might have been a misunderstanding or mistake in diagnosis.
– He remembered thinking: “I was utterly astonished when she retracted such an extraordinary statement, one she had made a mere seven months prior. After that interview, I found myself dazed and disoriented.
In addition, findings from a skateboarding forum in 2009 implied that Gibson may have been dishonest about her age and the existence of severe health issues such as heart attacks and open-heart surgeries.
The previously mentioned charitable tale, along with it, significantly undermined Gibson’s reputation and led to a more detailed examination of her original cancer assertion. Unfortunately, this claim had not been supported by any medical documentation.
Back in April 2015, the influencer openly admitted to Australian Women’s Weekly that everything she had been saying wasn’t genuine. As a result, her popular platforms like The Whole Pantry and her personal online presence were swiftly taken down. Additionally, Penguin decided to destroy the book they had tied to her brand.
As a devoted cinephile looking back, I can’t help but recall the storm that erupted the following year when this titan of publishing was criticized for its handling of Belle’s claims. The controversy centered around their failure to thoroughly investigate and authenticate her stories before sealing a deal for her cookbook. The book contained an account, later deemed questionable, about how she supposedly managed brain cancer through dietary means – a tale that, in hindsight, appeared more like fiction than fact.
In September 2016, according to a report by Donelly and Toscano for The Sydney Morning Herald, Penguin executives were aware of inconsistencies in Gibson’s narrative and endeavored to help her anticipate challenging queries from the media.
After the book’s publication, the publisher also brought on a PR agency to prepare contingency plans if unfavorable articles about Gibson were published, aiming to “keep clear” from such stories.
According to Donelly, speaking to The Guardian, “Many individuals who collaborated with Gibson have questions to address. Many of them accepted her narrative completely, supported and teamed up with her, and exploited her in return – and she did the same to them.
In June 2015, Gibson appeared on the Australian talk show 60 Minutes, during which she faced questions about her original account and offered a revised explanation of what had happened.
In the year 2009, a man identifying himself as both an immunologist and neurologist named Mark Johns asserted that he had come to her residence. He allegedly employed a device to gauge certain “frequencies” within her body, eventually declaring that she had brain cancer based on his findings.
60 Minutes could not find any record of Johns existing.
Gibson initially left out this aspect of her tale because she was apprehensive that others might feel “disenchanted or irritated” due to her decision not to adhere to the traditional path in receiving her diagnosis.
Despite the fact that she ultimately admitted she didn’t have a brain tumor, Gibson’s main argument was based on her belief that she did have one at the time, which she attributed to the unverified claims of Dr. Johns and the misdiagnosis by another health advisor.
In an interview with Herald Sun, the family of a seriously ill child voiced worries that Gibson might have been using his genuine medical condition as a reference point to invent her own fictitious health issues.
Penne Schwarz, the boy’s mother, expressed her thoughts: “We can’t help but wonder if she exploited us to understand Joshua better. She was constantly inquiring about his cancer and treatments. Could it be a way for her to gain more authority?
In an interview on 60 Minutes, when asked about his response to the Schwarz family, Gibson expressed that they hold great significance to him due to the nurture, affection, and camaraderie that has blossomed between them over the past year.
As a movie buff, I get that they’re going through a tough time, yet I must confess, I’ve never probed Joshua or his mom about his health issues personally.
Following the collapse of Gibson, the Schwarz family asserted that neither were they aware of any fundraising campaign initiated by the influencer on behalf of their son, nor did they receive any funds from her personally.
Additionally, they mentioned that being connected to Gibson led people to question and express negative sentiments towards them as well.
Penne stated, “People are speaking the cruellest words. They doubt Joshy’s illness diagnosis, but let me tell you, we are an actual family battling cancer in real life. We’re deeply immersed in the daily struggle of not knowing how much longer our son will be with us.
Who is Apple Cider Vinegar’s Milla Blake based on?
It seems that the fictional character Milla Blake from Apple Cider Vinegar is reminiscent of the late wellness advocate Jessica Ainscough, often called “The Wellness Warrior” in her blogging days.
In the series, it’s shown that Ainscough was identified with an uncommon type of cancer, epithelioid sarcoma, in April 2008 when he was 22 years old. Prior to this, he had led a vibrant life filled with parties as a journalist for a lifestyle magazine.
As a passionate moviegoer putting words to my personal experience, I found myself grappling with the devastating news that a malignant growth was embedded within the tender flesh of my left arm. The initial medical advice suggested an amputation, reaching up to my shoulder, to minimize, though not completely eradicate, the risk of its metastasis to other bodily areas.
Instead of agreeing to the amputation, Ainscough opted for a high-dose, experimental type of intravenous chemotherapy that targeted her arm specifically.
As a film enthusiast, I’d say, “After initial scans suggested my cancer was in remission following treatment, it unfortunately came back only a few months later, leaving me feeling let down and eager to explore other options.
In the year 2010, she journeyed to Mexico to acquire knowledge about the Gerson therapy, a contentious method of treatment that she persisted in following for an additional two years thereafter.
This rigorous routine calls for a disciplined organic, plant-based meal plan that emphasizes consuming approximately 9 kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetable juices daily – about one liter each hour – and incorporates up to five cups of coffee or castor oil enema treatments every day.
Cancer Research UK indicates that the Gerson therapy has not been proven through scientific research to effectively treat cancer or its associated symptoms. They also caution that adhering to this treatment plan may result in serious consequences such as infections, dehydration, and inflammation of the bowels.
Ainscough documented her health experiences on a blog titled “The Wellness Warrior” and related social media platforms, amassing a significant number of supporters, such as Belle Gibson.
Back in April 2013, they both had the opportunity to perform together on a paid event stage in Melbourne alongside other wellness influencers. During this occasion, Gibson publicly acknowledged Ainscough as one of her most significant mentors and supporters, as reported by The Australian.
Despite openly sharing her cancer diagnosis and being honest about it, Ainscough faced criticism from some blog readers and medical professionals due to her advocacy for alternative treatments in managing cancer.
However, the influencer asserted that she’s consistently enjoyed backing from her friends and family (as discussed on the Up for a Chat Podcast), with her mom, Sharyn, opting for Gerson therapy instead of traditional treatment when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2011.
Regrettably, Sharyn passed away in October 2013 at the age of 57, a time when Jess was already grappling with deteriorating health issues.
The next year saw her return to traditional medical care due to her worsening health condition. In December 2014, she penned down her thoughts expressing that “each thing finds its appropriate place.
In February 2015, Ainscough sadly died at the age of 29. At her funeral, Gibson was spotted weeping amongst the attendees. Interestingly, articles casting doubt on her character appeared only four days after her funeral.
Following Ainscough’s tragic demise and Gibson’s public downfall, as a movie critic of wellness trends, I cannot help but sound an alarm over the concerning surge in ‘radical treatments’ that these influencers, including themselves, have popularized. Their fame has undeniably cast a spotlight on these methods, and it is now incumbent upon us to scrutinize their effectiveness and potential risks.
She stated, “Conventional medicine doesn’t guarantee a cure like some alternative therapies claim, creating a false sense of security. This is in contrast to the promises made by these alternative treatments.
In another instance, Dr. David Gorski, through Science-Based Medicine, expressed his sentiment: “While we may have been outraged by Jess Ainscough’s endorsement of the Gerson protocol during her life, it is crucial to remember that she too was a casualty of the pseudoscience she advocated for.
Where is Apple Cider Vinegar’s Belle Gibson now?
Back in September 2017, a court located in Melbourne, Australia, required Belle Gibson to repay around A$410,000 (equivalent to about £204,000) to the state of Victoria. This was due to her making false statements regarding charitable donations while she was experiencing success, as reported by The Guardian.
Despite facing a potential fine of up to A$1.1 million, Justice Debra Mortimer chose to set an amount that could realistically be repaid by the individual.
Unfortunately, by February 2025, it appears that the fine remains unpaid, with the Australian Herald Sun reporting that it has escalated to approximately A$500,000 due to accumulated interest and court fees. This has fueled concerns that the money may never be recovered.
Since 2019, the controversial social media figure hasn’t spoken out about the penalty imposed on her. Back then, during her court appearance, she informed authorities that she lacked the means to cover the fine.
ever since then, Gibson’s home was searched twice – first in January 2020, and again in May 2021 – by officers from the Victoria Sheriff’s Office, who were attempting to recover funds by confiscating valuable possessions.
A few months before the initial search of Gibson’s residence, news broke out that she had tried to integrate with Melbourne’s Oromo Ethiopian community, asserting that they had adopted her and from then on, she was known as Sabontu among them.
Later on, Dr. Tarekegn Chimdi, who served as president of the Australian Oromo Community Association at the time, stated that Mr. Gibson was neither a recognized member nor an officially registered volunteer within the community.
By August 2021, she resided in a rental home shared with her son and companion, Clive Rothwell, who could be her longtime friend or partner. Notably, the Australian Women’s Weekly reported in an exposé that she had no significant financial holdings or belongings.
Currently, Gibson tends to stay out of the spotlight and typically refrains from responding to media inquiries. However, earlier this year, a representative from Consumer Affairs Victoria informed The Herald Sun that they are still seeking repayment for the debt she allegedly owes.
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2025-02-05 15:40