First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

As I delve into the tumultuous life of Belle Gibson, it’s hard not to feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, her story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and the destructive power of falsehoods. On the other, it’s a tale of resilience and transformation, albeit in a rather unconventional way.


Netflix has revealed a teaser trailer featuring American actress Kaitlyn Dever portraying the role of Australian cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in their upcoming mini-series titled “Apple Cider Vinegar.

A 26-year-old movie actor will take on the main part in an upcoming six-episode series, offering a unique perspective into the life of Belle Gibson.

During the initial stages of Instagram, Apple Cider Vinegar chronicles the journey of two young women as they strive to combat their critical health issues by embracing a healthy lifestyle. As they progress, these women also inspire and influence their international online followers with their experiences.

All of which would be incredibly inspiring – were it only true. 

The trailer begins with Dever (Gibson) looking worried as she sits opposite her lawyer who asks for her side of the story.

The trailer subsequently highlights the lengths Gibson allegedly took to deceive her followers regarding her health, featuring Arizona-born actress Dever skillfully portraying an authentic Australian accent in her depiction of the Melbourne-born swindler.

First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series
First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

Dever is already a well-known star in the States, having appeared in Booksmart and the Emmy-winning Hulu drama Dopesick.

Previously, at age 33, Gibson asserted that she suffered from a terminal brain cancer, suggesting her recovery stemmed solely from dietary changes. However, subsequent findings revealed that she hadn’t been diagnosed with the disease at all.

Word-by-word translation:

In 2013, Belle Gibson created the @healing_belle Instagram profile and amassed a significant fanbase by posting supposed healing food recipes.

She asserted that her particular lifestyle and dietary regimen allegedly eradicated her incurable brain cancer, a condition she was reportedly diagnosed with at age 20 and told she only had a few months left to live.

Belle asserted that she had received traditional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, but then opted out of modern medical care to switch to a diet focused on nutritious, unprocessed foods.

Soon enough, a steady stream of business opportunities presented themselves to Gibson. This included releasing an application filled with recipes and securing a book contract, allegedly valued at $420,000.

In her book, she explained how her plant-based diet was a means of self-empowerment, enabling her to safeguard her life through the power of nutrition, persistence, resolve, and affection.

First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series
First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series
First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

In 2014, the individual from Melbourne announced that although she had adopted a healthier, wellness-oriented lifestyle, her cancer had recurred and this time it had metastasized.

Initially, many fans felt disheartened upon hearing the news, but doubts arose swiftly concerning the funds she supposedly donated to several charities from the earnings of her book.

After an examination conducted by Fairfax Media (now known as Nine Newspapers), they found that not a single penny was donated by Belle to any of the charities she mentioned.

First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

Back in April 2015, the influencer was compelled to confess that her narrative started falling apart, as it was based on falsehoods.

During an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly, she openly admitted that her cancer story was a hoax. She stated emphatically, “Nothing about it is real,” expressing her hope that people would understand and forgive her as she is merely human.

Additionally, she was featured in an intense interrogation by Tara Brown on 60 Minutes, during which she was questioned about numerous untruths that she had spoken.

Two years following her entry, Belle was penalized approximately $410,000 when it was determined that she had engaged in dishonest and deceitful behavior.

Originally a wellness blogger, this individual eventually identified with the Oromo ethnic community in Melbourne. They started wearing a headscarf and chose the name Sabontu for themselves.

2021 saw Daily Mail Australia disclose that she asserted her upbringing was within the community, felt favored by God (Allah), and began referring to herself as “Sobantu” in the traditional Afaan Oromo tongue.

First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

Members of the Ethiopian community shared with Daily Mail Australia that Gibson regularly participated in gatherings such as barbecues, weddings, and community meetings in an effort to gain favor among the Oromo ethnic group.

However, a sense of unease arose as the deceiver began discussing plans to amass substantial funds purportedly for the benefit of their ethnic community.

Following Daily Mail Australia’s revelation about her fresh ties with Melbourne’s Ethiopian circle, a prominent figure from the community disclosed that she has been permanently excluded from their group.

According to Dr. Tarekegn Chimdi, president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Oromo Community Association, she was advised against attending.

First look: American actress Kaitlyn Dever plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in new Netflix series

He added, “It’s troubling when an outsider uses the name of a community they don’t belong to.

‘She was coming across as more Oromo than Oromo people.

‘She is not involved with us. She’s not coming to our place, no way, no time.

‘She is not involved in any fundraising for us. I have not seen her since that happened.’

However, other members of the Oromo community threw their support behind the fraudster. 

A representative from Shabo Media stated that Gibson has undergone significant transformation and is making efforts to leave the controversy behind.

They mentioned that she’s deeply involved with the community and always ready to lend a hand. Previously, we’ve seen her contributions as well.

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2024-11-19 03:19

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