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Mamamia Out Loud

The True Story Of A Liar: Belle Gibson & Apple Cider Vinegar

Feb 10, 2025
Dive into the intriguing tale of Belle Gibson, a notorious Australian scammer whose wellness claims were all smoke and mirrors. The chaos surrounding her narrative raises questions about the dangers of alternative therapies and the influence of social media on health perceptions. The mental health crisis in Australia is also dissected, focusing on the mass resignation of psychiatrists and the need for urgent reforms. The conversation shifts to the hot topic of celebrity surrogacy, exploring its motivations, ethical implications, and societal pressures, especially in Hollywood.
41:54

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Quick takeaways

  • Belle Gibson's fraudulent claims about curing cancer through alternative treatments illustrate the dangers of misleading wellness culture.
  • Australia's mental health crisis is exacerbated by a shortage of psychiatrists, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform in healthcare.

Deep dives

The Rise and Fall of Belle Gibson

The episode delves into the real-life story of Belle Gibson, a mother from Melbourne who claimed to have cured her brain cancer through healthy lifestyle changes and alternative treatments, leading to her substantial fame and success. Gibson's app, The Whole Pantry, offered appealing recipes and garnered a partnership with Apple, showcasing the allure of wellness culture in the early 2010s. However, her deceit was unveiled in 2015 through investigative reports that revealed there was no evidence she had ever had cancer, devastating many who believed in her journey. The discussion highlights the broader implications of her actions on both the wellness community and the emotional fallout for those who supported her during her fabricated narrative.

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