Australian 'wellness' blogger Belle Gibson has admitted that her claims of having terminal cancer were false. In an interview with Australia's Women's Weekly magazine, she stated, 'None of it's true.'
Gibson rose to prominence in 2013 by claiming she was treating malignant brain cancer with whole foods and alternative therapies. Her blog, The Whole Pantry, led to a successful app and recipe book. However, doubts emerged after she failed to deliver a promised $300,000 donation to charity.
In the interview, Gibson said, 'I am still jumping between what I think I know and what is reality.' She added, 'I don't want forgiveness,' but said she was speaking out because it was 'the responsible thing to do.'
Clinical psychologist Melissa Keogh suggested that such behaviour often stems from early childhood trauma or distress. 'People who are healthy and well-adjusted don't have to create illnesses to get attention or for financial gain,' she said.
Gibson's recipe book was withdrawn by Penguin in March, and her app was removed by Apple. Her partner, Clive Rothwell, was reportedly unaware of the deception and is 'supportive, but obviously very devastated.'
