The three-part BBC iPlayer documentary The Mother of All Cons has gripped viewers, who describe it as 'horrifying and shocking' with 'one twist after another.' The series investigates the rise and fall of Believe in Magic, a children's charity that raised millions and won support from global stars like One Direction and Little Mix, but behind the scenes lay a dark deception.
The charity and its rise
In 2012, 16-year-old Megan Bhari and her mother Jean O'Brien launched Believe in Magic. Megan was allegedly battling a terminal brain tumour and wanted to grant wishes for seriously ill children. The charity quickly became a success: One Direction's Louis Tomlinson hosted a Cinderella Ball that raised over £5 million, and Megan received awards and praise from former prime minister David Cameron and other A-listers.
Red flags and investigation
Everything changed when a small group of suspicious parents noticed red flags. When a massive fundraising appeal was launched to send Megan abroad for 'emergency, life-saving medical treatment,' they began digging. Investigators tracked Megan's movements, questioned medical claims, and hired private detectives.
The shocking truth
The documentary takes a dark turn in 2018 when Megan died at age 23. Her funeral was cancelled by a coroner's order for an autopsy, which revealed that Megan never had a brain tumour. The subsequent investigation forced examiners to look into her medical history and the true nature of her condition, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion that shocked supporters and families the charity had helped.
Viewer reactions
Social media and review platforms have been flooded with reactions. One X user wrote: 'Absolutely sickening, how is that vile woman not in prison! Everything about this is so shocking, tragic & upsetting.' Another said: 'Finished #TheMotherOfAllCons - absolutely nuts. Jean is the lowest of the low and I hope her life is a living hell now.' A Reddit user called it 'horrifying and shocking,' while on Mumsnet a viewer commented: 'I've just watched all 3 episodes - absolutely riveting! One twist after another, infuriating and heartbreaking at the same time.'
All three episodes are available to stream free on BBC iPlayer.
