For Whom the ‘Belles’ Toll – Ep. 20

After many misdiagnoses, a teenage girl in Australia learns she has a rare type of cancerous tumor. She begins her search for anything that might help her escape it, including a regimented diet promoted by a social media influencer. The influencer, a beautiful young woman named Belle, says she beat cancer and numerous other ailments by detoxifying her body and strengthening her immune system, and her following grows quickly. 

 

But Belle’s “wellness brand” starts to take its toll, and many of her followers report their health conditions getting worse, not better. 

 

Have you escaped the influence of a deceptive social media influencer? Tell us about it at escapeartist@escapepod.live! 

 

UPDATE: A co-worker briefly mentioned in this episode underwent surgery for brain tumors in late 2023, but – good news! - the tumors were NOT cancerous, and she continues to be an amazing co-worker today. Woohoo! 

 

 

Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 

• Topic #1   1:03 Co-host escapes tornadoes in Tornado Alley! 

• Topic #2 11:52 Australia, 2013: 17yo is diagnosed with cancer  

• Topic #3 22:42 The truth about Belle is revealed, but why all the lies? 

• Topic #4 34:57 Belle’s victims respond 

• Topic #5 53:53 Escapism, co-host-style! 

 

 

Resources & Links 

 

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Gibson  

• https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/belle-gibson-faked-cancer-wellness-influencer-b1102443.html  

• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9799359/Belle-Gibsons-victims-reveal-sucked-cancer-fakers-web-lies-toll.html  

• https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/21/cancer-con-woman-belle-gibsons-home-raided-to-try-to-recoup-unpaid-fines 

• https://7news.com.au/news/bella-was-desperate-and-dying-then-she-came-across-fraudster-belle-gibson-c-12709384  

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnUGxvwtjf4  

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IBh9JTXmf4  

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLuBeV_fhsc  

• https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/pathological-liar-signs/#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20pathological%20lying,love%20and%20reassurance%20they%20crave.  

• https://abcnews.go.com/Business/nightline-documentary-podcast-dropout-story-elizabeth-holmes-theranos/story?id=60365362
  
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