Introduction: The Sweet Yet Sour Truth
Netflix just dropped another jaw-dropping docuseries, Apple Cider Vinegar, and if you haven’t watched it yet, let me warn you—it’s a wild ride. The series takes us deep into the mind (or should I say, the scam) of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who convinced the world that she had miraculously cured her terminal cancer with natural remedies—only to be exposed as a complete fraud.
But Apple Cider Vinegar isn’t just about Belle Gibson. It’s a cautionary tale of how influencer scams thrive in the age of social media, where likes, shares, and viral posts can create overnight celebrities—even if their entire persona is built on lies. So let’s break it all down: the show, its review, and what it tells us about the dark side of internet culture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: What’s the Show About?
Apple Cider Vinegar takes a documentary-style approach to unraveling Belle Gibson’s deception. The series walks us through how she built an empire on the idea that clean eating, alternative medicine, and positive thinking could cure terminal illnesses. She gained a massive following, launched a best-selling app (The Whole Pantry), and even got backing from major brands like Apple.
But as with all too-good-to-be-true stories, cracks began to show. Journalists, skeptical doctors, and former friends started questioning her claims, leading to the ultimate revelation: Belle Gibson never had cancer. It was all a carefully crafted lie to build a wellness empire. Apple Cider Vinegar brings in experts, whistleblowers, and former followers to dissect how she pulled it off and why so many people fell for it.
Throughout the show, I couldn't help but hope that people were trying to frame her and that she actually did have an illness. Maybe it was the human tendency to want to believe in the best, or maybe it was the sheer absurdity of her con that made me wonder—could there be another twist? But as the evidence stacked up, it became painfully clear: this was a scam, plain and simple.
Review: A Must-Watch or Just Another Docuseries?
Netflix knows how to make binge-worthy documentaries, and Apple Cider Vinegar is no exception. The storytelling is gripping, filled with jaw-dropping moments, and leaves you questioning just how easily we trust influencers online. The pacing is perfect, revealing new layers of Belle Gibson’s scam with each episode.
What Works:
✅ Engaging Narrative – The series keeps you hooked from start to finish, with suspenseful storytelling and shocking reveals.
✅ Insightful Interviews – Journalists, medical experts, and ex-followers share their perspectives, making it a well-rounded documentary.
✅ Cinematic Production – As expected from Netflix, the visuals and production quality are top-notch.
What Could Be Better:
❌ More Focus on the Victims – While the series does highlight those affected by Gibson’s lies, a deeper dive into the emotional and financial impact on real people would have made it even stronger.
❌ A Bit More Analysis on the Psychology of Scams – The documentary touches on why people fall for these scams, but a deeper psychological perspective would have added more value.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) – A gripping, must-watch documentary that exposes the dark side of influencer culture.
The Bigger Picture: Why Influencer Scams Keep Happening
Belle Gibson wasn’t the first, and she certainly won’t be the last. Social media has given birth to countless wellness influencers, financial “gurus,” and lifestyle coaches promising overnight success, miracle cures, and life-changing transformations. Some of the biggest scams in recent years include:
Elizabeth Holmes & Theranos – A billion-dollar biotech fraud that promised revolutionary blood tests (without real science).
Fyre Festival – A luxury music festival promoted by influencers that turned out to be a disaster.
Caroline Calloway – A social media influencer who sold overpriced “creativity workshops” that never happened.
But why do people keep falling for these scams?
The Appeal of a Perfect Life – Social media feeds are filled with picture-perfect influencers who make us believe that success, health, and happiness are just one product away.
Confirmation Bias – People want to believe that alternative medicine and quick-fix solutions work, so they ignore red flags.
The Power of Social Proof – When celebrities and big brands back influencers, it’s easy to trust them blindly.
Final Thoughts: Stay Skeptical, Stay Smart
Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar is more than just an exposé on Belle Gibson—it’s a wake-up call for all of us navigating the world of influencer culture. Next time an influencer promises a “miracle cure” or a “life-changing hack,” ask yourself: Is there real science behind this? Who benefits if I buy into this idea? And most importantly, does this person have actual credibility?
Social media may be filled with wellness gurus and self-proclaimed experts, but as Apple Cider Vinegar reminds us, not everything that glitters is gold—sometimes, it’s just another scam.
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