
The new Netflix series, labeled as a “sort-of-true tale spun from deceit,” narrates the life and exploits of Belle Gibson, an Australian social media influencer who falsely claimed to have terminal brain cancer. This series, which begins by exposing her deception in its first episode, highlights that cancer cannot be cured through dietary changes alone. The intriguing aspect lies in understanding how Gibson managed to maintain this elaborate hoax for such an extended period, gaining media attention and even striking business deals with Apple for the launch of the Apple Watch. This scenario underscores the tendency of people to question conventional medicine and overvalue alternative thinkers, particularly when they present themselves as attractive white women. However, Gibson’s story is not a new one, especially in Australia, where she was at the heart of media frenzy around 2015, including an infamous television interview that the series recreates meticulously. There have been numerous books, articles, and documentaries about her, with a detailed biography serving as the basis for “Apple Cider Vinegar.” For a critical analysis of the media environment that fosters figures like Gibson, I recommend the episode of “Maintenance Phase” on the subject, which concisely addresses her story in under an hour.