What Netflix Must Address About the Belle Gibson Apple Cider Vinegar Controversy

Netflix has recently released a teaser trailer for its upcoming true crime drama, Apple Cider Vinegar. This series is poised to uncover the complicated life of Belle Gibson, often dubbed “Instagram’s worst con artist.” However, the show has a significant responsibility to accurately portray the nuances of her story.

True Crime Trends: A Growing Genre

Viewers have been treated to an array of intriguing true crime adaptations recently. In 2024 alone, Netflix has premiered Monster Season 2 and the captivating Woman of the Hour, featuring Anna Kendrick. Upcoming releases are set to explore notorious cases like those of JonBenét Ramsey, Natalia Grace, and Amanda Knox. In the midst of this, Apple Cider Vinegar will delve into the deceptive world of Belle Gibson, who falsely claimed to have overcome terminal cancer through dietary choices.

Unpacking Belle Gibson’s Deception

Gibson notably profited from her fabricated health claims, launching the successful app The Whole Pantry while capitalizing on the vulnerabilities of others. Starring Kaitlyn Dever, Apple Cider Vinegar aims to shine a light on this intricate con.

Exploring Gibson’s Background

The teaser indicates that the series will examine the early days of Instagram and Gibson’s obsession with the attention she garnered online. However, it is imperative for the narrative to also investigate her past deeply; her deceit was not solely a product of social media influence.

The creators of Apple Cider Vinegar clarify that although the series is based on true events, it is primarily a fictional work. Creator Samantha Strauss underscores the significance of media’s role in shaping perceptions around wellness and nutrition. She notes, “It’s interesting to look at how media uses food as a weapon against us and how much we crave the nourishment, but how much of a privilege and how expensive it is to try to be well.”

The Depths of Deception: An Investigation

Richard Guilliatt, a journalist who famously broke the story of Gibson’s deceit, conducted an investigation that revealed the stark contrast between her online persona and her actual life. His inquiry demonstrated that Gibson had no significant social media presence before 2013. To understand her transformation, he explored her digital footprints, discovering a vastly different character from the health guru image she later portrayed.

Voices from the Past: Insights from Friends

Former friends like Shelby Nagy and Anthony de Sylva provided additional context. They recounted a vibrant, confident teenage Gibson, starkly different from the subdued figure she presented online. Guilliatt’s investigation unveiled a disturbing pattern; from as early as 2009, she began concocting intricate stories, including claims of open-heart surgery and miraculous recoveries.

De Sylva noted a significant overlap between her storytelling and real-life events in their community, suggesting that Gibson might have appropriated narratives from those around her to bolster her facade. Such behaviors hint at underlying psychological issues that the series should explore thoroughly.

The Symbolism Behind the Title

The title Apple Cider Vinegar diverges from typical true crime naming conventions, resonating with a thematic depth that transcends Gibson’s individual story. Strauss expressed her intent to evoke a sense of “hope in a bottle,” suggesting a broader commentary on wellness culture.

The narrative of Apple Cider Vinegar not only highlights Gibson’s notorious journey but also introduces Milla Blake, a character who creates a rival wellness platform after her own cancer diagnosis, thus mirroring Gibson’s journey while introducing fresh perspectives.

While many characters within the series are fictionalized representations of those affected by Gibson’s actions, the series draws inspiration from the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. As of now, a release date for Apple Cider Vinegar has yet to be announced, but eagerly awaiting fans can anticipate developments surrounding this thought-provoking narrative.

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