Netflix’s upcoming series Apple Cider Vinegar is already generating buzz as audiences eagerly await its release. With the show set to premiere soon, many are wondering whether the story is based on real-life events or purely fictional.
The six-episode series delves into the dark side of social media influence, following an Australian wellness influencer who scams people with deceptive online tricks. While the story may sound too outrageous to be true, it is actually inspired by real events—most notably the infamous case of Belle Gibson, who made headlines in 2015.
Gibson, a self-proclaimed wellness guru, falsely claimed to have cured her terminal cancer through natural remedies and healthy eating. She gained massive online support, leading to the launch of her app, The Whole Pantry, where she shared supposed health-boosting recipes. She even landed a lucrative book deal with Penguin Publishers. However, it all came crashing down when investigative journalists uncovered the truth—Gibson never had cancer, and the money she had pledged to donate to charities was never actually given.
The Netflix series is based on the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, meaning the events depicted in the show closely align with real-life accounts. Kaitlyn Dever takes on the lead role, portraying the fictionalized version of Gibson. Alongside her, Mark Cole Smith and Richard Davies play Justin and Sean, the two journalists who exposed her fraudulent scheme.
Despite its foundation in reality, Apple Cider Vinegar does take some creative liberties. Showrunner Samantha Strauss told The Guardian, “I think we do really lean into it and say it honestly—this is true-ish. It’s an interesting thing when you’re dealing with someone who has lied and that you’re creating a work that is, in some respects, fiction as well.”
Adding to the scandal, Penguin Book Publishers was fined $300 million for failing to fact-check Gibson’s claims before publishing her book.
With its mix of true crime and social media commentary, Apple Cider Vinegar is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most intriguing releases. Get ready to stream it soon!