Shocking story of influencer’s scam
IN AN unbelievable tale of social media fraud, this is the inside story of disgraced influencer Belle Gibson, who duped millions of followers.
The 21-year-old claimed she cured her terminal cancer through wellness and healthy eating – but it was all one big lie.
Her miraculous story brought her fame and money, with a successful Apple app, a book deal with Penguin and countless TV appearances.
But when journalists investigated, they discovered the shocking truth – none of her story was true. She never had cancer.
One of Instagram’s first super-influencers, the Australian con-artist had cultivated an adoring global following for successfully treating her cancer with a plant-based diet and alternative natural therapies.
The queen bee of wellness, she gave people hope, but for some there were devastating consequences.
Soon suspicions were raised and Belle’s story began fall apart.
With access to family and friends, this twopart documentary investigates to whether she was a manipulative, compulsive liar or a damaged young woman.
Using social media posts and Belle’s own voice from recordings she made, the film tells the story of her rise to fame, beginning with when she said she had a malignant brain tumour and six weeks to live.
Bella Johnston, who found Belle after being diagnosed with cancer, says: “I was so sucked into Belle’s life. I just thought she was so courageous and inspiring. I was like, wow, I don’t know if I want to be this woman or be this woman’s best friend.”
ITV1, 9pm