Netflix's series "Apple Cider Vinegar" delves into the fabricated cancer claims of influencer Belle Gibson, who built a wellness empire in the 2010s. The show fictionalizes real events, focusing on Gibson’s fraudulent health claims and her eventual downfall. A key figure in this narrative is Chanelle, a character inspired by real-life individuals who played a crucial role in exposing Gibson’s deception. Chanelle works with both Milla Blake and Belle Gibson, navigating the complexities of their lives and ultimately revealing the truth about Gibson’s lies.

The Fictionalized Journey of Chanelle

In the Netflix series, Chanelle (played by Aisha Dee) becomes instrumental in unraveling Belle Gibson’s fraudulent wellness empire. Chanelle initially joins Milla Blake’s team to secure brand deals as Milla’s business grows. Her path crosses with Belle at a Cosmopolitan awards ceremony, leading to a deeper involvement with Belle’s launch of The Whole Pantry app. As Chanelle witnesses Belle’s lavish lifestyle, she begins to question the authenticity of her claims. Eventually, Chanelle confronts Belle about her alleged brain cancer, but Belle deflects the inquiry. Despite this, Chanelle remains skeptical and continues to investigate.

Chanelle’s journey takes a dramatic turn when she provides crucial information to reporters from The Age. Although they cannot report on Belle’s health status, they publish evidence that Belle failed to fulfill multiple charitable donations. This exposé marks the beginning of Belle’s public downfall. Chanelle eventually stops working with Belle and later attends Milla’s funeral, where she finds solace in planting trees with Milla’s father and fiancé. Through Chanelle’s actions, the series highlights the importance of integrity and the consequences of deception in the wellness industry.

Real-Life Inspirations and Differences

The character of Chanelle in "Apple Cider Vinegar" draws inspiration from Chanelle McAuliffe, a real-life figure who played a pivotal role in exposing Belle Gibson’s fraud. McAuliffe met Gibson at the 2013 launch party for The Whole Pantry app and started to suspect that Gibson’s claims were false after observing inconsistencies in her behavior. McAuliffe confronted Gibson about her cancer diagnosis and demanded documentation, which Gibson refused to provide. McAuliffe then tipped off reporter Beau Donnelly, leading to the publication of evidence in the Sydney Morning Herald about Gibson’s failure to honor charitable commitments.

While the character of Chanelle shares similarities with McAuliffe, there are notable differences. In reality, McAuliffe did not work with Jess Ainscough, the Australian influencer whose story parallels Milla’s. Ainscough’s manager was Yvette Luciano, and Ainscough passed away from epithelioid sarcoma in 2015. Gibson’s connection to Ainscough was minimal, and Luciano expressed confusion over Gibson’s appearance at Ainscough’s funeral. The series blends these real-life elements with fictional narratives to create a compelling exploration of trust, betrayal, and the impact of social media on personal and professional lives.