Belle Gibson gained fame in 2014 as a wellness influencer, claiming to have beaten cancer holistically.

What is the global wellness sector's value?

The global wellness sector is valued at $4.2 trillion.

What is Gerson therapy?

Gerson therapy involves drinking 20 pounds of crushed fruit and vegetables daily.

Jessica was a wellness advocate who rejected conventional cancer treatments.

Belle Gibson's brand faced legal consequences for misleading conduct.

Belle Gibson rose to fame in the wellness industry by claiming to have cured her cancer holistically, showcasing the importance of a compelling narrative to succeed as a wellness influencer.
The rise and fall of Belle Gibson and Jessica underscore the risks associated with promoting unproven therapies like Gerson therapy in the wellness sector, revealing the potential dangers of false health claims and the importance of critical evaluation in the industry.

Who is Belle Gibson?
Belle Gibson gained fame in 2014 as a wellness influencer, claiming to have beaten cancer holistically.
What is the global wellness sector's value?
The global wellness sector is valued at $4.2 trillion.
What is Gerson therapy?
Gerson therapy involves drinking 20 pounds of crushed fruit and vegetables daily.
Who is Jessica in the wellness industry?
Jessica was a wellness advocate who rejected conventional cancer treatments.
What happened to Belle Gibson's brand?
Belle Gibson's brand faced legal consequences for misleading conduct.

00:00

Belle Gibson, a young woman, gained fame in 2014 as a wellness influencer, claiming to have beaten cancer holistically.
The global wellness sector grew from $3.36 trillion to $3.72 trillion from 2013 to 2015, now valued at $4.2 trillion.
To succeed in the wellness industry like Belle, one must have a compelling story that sets them apart as a guru offering a cure.
Belle's success stemmed from her claim of curing her inoperable brain cancer through alternative treatments like diet changes and therapies.
Belle's Instagram account quickly gained 179,000 followers, leading to the creation of the Whole Pantry app with a co-developer named Alex.
Apple recognized Belle's marketability and invited her to work on a secret project, making her app pre-installed on the Apple Watch.
Belle staged a fake seizure at her son's birthday party to gain more attention and sympathy, later claiming her cancer had spread.
Belle's deceit extended to misusing charity funds, spending on personal luxuries while claiming to donate to various causes.
Belle idolized another wellness blogger, Jessica, who also rejected conventional cancer treatment for unproven therapies like Gerson therapy.
Belle's story unraveled when Australian authorities caught her deception, revealing the truth behind her fabricated wellness journey.

16:47

Gerson therapy involves drinking 20 pounds or 9 kilos of crushed fruit and vegetables daily, resulting in one glass of juice every hour for 13 hours.
Max Gerson, a German physician, created this alternative dietary therapy in 1928, believing it cleanses the body, boosts the immune system, and eliminates toxins.
Despite Gerson therapy's claims, cancer institutes worldwide have dismissed it as ineffective and hazardous.
Jessica, an Australian diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer called epithelioid sarcoma at 22, rejected conventional treatments like chemotherapy and amputation, opting for Gerson therapy.
Jessica, a wellness advocate, blogged about her health journey, held retreats, and authored a book, emphasizing organic plant-based diets.
Despite Jessica's efforts, her cancer spread, leading to her passing at age 30.
Belle Gibson, another wellness influencer, attended Jessica's funeral, displaying exaggerated grief, which raised suspicions among Jessica's friends.
Belle's brand, The Whole Pantry, garnered significant financial success, but her claims of donating profits to charity were exposed as false.
Belle faced legal consequences for her deceit, including a $410,000 fine for misleading conduct regarding charitable donations.
Despite Belle's financial struggles and attempts to evade payment, authorities raided her home to recoup the unpaid fine, highlighting the consequences of her deception.

33:48