Netflix's 'Apple Cider Vinegar' Exposes Belle Gibson's Fraudulent Wellness Empire

Netflix's new series 'Apple Cider Vinegar' dramatizes the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian influencer who falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer through a wellness app and diet. The show highlights Gibson's rise to fame with her app 'The Whole Pantry,' which promoted unproven health treatments, and her eventual downfall when her lies were exposed. Critics argue that the series serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of alternative medicine and the impact of social media on health misinformation. Black salve, a treatment featured in the series, is labeled as dangerous by the FDA, with no evidence supporting its efficacy against cancer; its use has led to severe side effects and, in some cases, death. The series reflects the phenomenon of 'white girl scammers' in the media, drawing parallels with other notorious figures like Anna Delvey and Elizabeth Holmes. Overall, 'Apple Cider Vinegar' critiques the wellness industry while examining the consequences of deception in the pursuit of validation and success.