If you’ve never heard of Belle Gibson, that’s because her scandal had its 15 minutes of fame a decade ago. Now, however, a new Netflix series titled Apple Cider Vinegar pulls the spotlight back onto the scammer and how she got away with a false cancer story for years. Since Belle’s lies were eventually uncovered, she was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. So, did she ever serve time in jail?
While speaking with Woman’s Day for its May 2015 issue, Belle admitted the backlash she got was “beyond horrible.”
“In the last two years, I have worked every single day living and raising up an online community of people who supported each other,” the Whole Pantry creator explained. “I understand the confusion and suspicion, but I also know that people need to draw a line in the sand where they still treat someone with some level of respect or humility – and I have not been receiving that.”
As for how she felt about the accusations hurled at her, Belle said her life “just got so many complexities around it and within it, that it’s just easier to assume [I’m lying]. If I don’t have an answer, then I will sort of theorize it myself and come up with one. I think that’s an easy thing to often revert to if you don’t know what the answer is.”
Below, we’re breaking down Belle’s legal battle and what she’s up to now.
Where Is Belle Gibson Now?
In 2024, A Current Affair approached Belle at a gas station, seemingly in Australia. The outlet reported that she still hadn’t paid her $400,000 fine.
Is Belle Gibson Still With Clive Rothwell?
Not much is known about Clive’s whereabouts. He reportedly works in IT and was apparently by Belle’s side after her scandal was unveiled. During an interview with Woman’s Day in May 2015, Belle said that Clive was “supportive but obviously devastated” by her situation.
“He’s been very stern, along the lines of, ‘I just want you to acknowledge where you’ve f**ked up and not try and smooth over that,’” she told the publication.
Did Belle Gibson Serve Jail Time?
No, Belle did not serve any jail time. According to The Guardian, Belle was ordered to pay a $410,000 fine in addition to $30,000 in legal costs in 2017 after she lied about having cancer. The outlet reported that the Victorian premier is still pursuing Belle to pay that large fine. Moreover, the amount could garner interest over time.
In 2020, Belle’s home was raided as part of a “search and sale” warrant, then again the following year. The Guardian reported that Belle’s total legal fees and interest were $500,000.
