ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Convicted fraudster Belle Gibson is back in the headlines following the release of Apple Cider Vinegar, a Netflix series documenting her elaborate wellness scam, an outcome many suspect she is enjoying.
Gibson, who falsely claimed to have cured herself of terminal cancer through diet and alternative therapies, was exposed in 2015 for deceiving her followers and failing to donate promised funds to charity. She was later fined $410 000 by the Federal Court for misleading conduct, a penalty she has still not paid.
The release of the Netflix series has reignited public scrutiny of Gibson’s disgraceful actions, but media analysts suggest that the renewed attention, even if overwhelmingly negative, plays directly into her hands.
“People like Belle Gibson thrive on publicity,” said media expert Dr Sarah Connors.
“Whether it’s praise or outrage, it still places them at the centre of the conversation. The concern is that this could be a stepping stone for her to resurface in some new form.”
Gibson has not made any public statements about the series, though sources suggest she is closely monitoring the reaction. While public sentiment remains firmly against her, the fact that she is once again the subject of widespread discussion raises questions about the unintended consequences of true-crime entertainment.
Legal experts note that despite the renewed focus on her case, there appears to be little recourse for authorities to recover her unpaid fine. In the years since her exposure, Gibson has largely avoided accountability, with attempts to track her finances proving unsuccessful.
With Apple Cider Vinegar now trending on streaming platforms, Gibson’s notoriety has been revived. Whether the public wanted it or not.
More to come.
