Netflix criticized for featuring influencer who lied about having cancer on their platform.

Netflix has received criticism in anticipation of their upcoming release of a new drama series that tells the story of a notorious scammer. The series, titled "Apple Cider Vinegar", is based on the real-life events of Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson, who was exposed in 2015 for fabricating a story about having cancer and profiting from it.

Initially known for her popular mobile app and cookbook, "The Whole Pantry", Gibson claimed to have cured her malignant brain cancer through a strict diet and alternative medicine. She also claimed to be donating a portion of her profits to charity. However, after an investigation revealed that Gibson had lied about her age, personal life, and cancer diagnosis, she eventually confessed to the fraud.

The series, which stars Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson, follows two women who both claim to have cured their life-threatening illnesses through health and wellness, gaining a massive following on social media in the process. However, as the streaming service explains, the series is a "true-ish story based on a lie", and aims to explore the culture of wellness and social media during the rise of Instagram and girl boss start-ups.

Despite the intriguing premise, the release of the trailer for "Apple Cider Vinegar" has sparked backlash from viewers. Many have expressed their disapproval of the series, with some feeling that it glamorizes the actions of a scammer. Others have questioned why the story of Gibson, and other high-profile scammers such as Anna Sorokin, are being given a platform.

The series also stars Alycia Debnam-Carey, Aisha Dee, and Tilda Cobham-Hervey, and is based on the book "The Woman Who Fooled the World" by journalists Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. Gibson was convicted in 2017 for engaging in deceptive conduct and was fined $410,000 for breaching consumer laws.

Despite the controversy, "Apple Cider Vinegar" will be available for streaming on Netflix. If you have a celebrity story or any related content, the entertainment team at The Agency is always open to hearing from you. You can reach them by email, phone, or through their submission page.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]