Belle Gibson - its a name that will not be forgotten any time soon. The well-known and now disgraced health and wellness blogger made headlines in 2015 after she admitted to faking terminal brain cancer and claiming that she cured it with "clean eating" and juice cleanses. Gibson and her business were brought before the court by the Victorian consumer watchdog when it was found that they failed to pass on charitable donations from App Sales, book sales and events. In total, the disgraced blogger promised to hand over donations to charities, amounting to $300,000. These donations were never passed on.
In the Federal Court of Australia, Justice Mortimer handed down her Judgment, upholding majority of the allegations held against Gibson. She is now facing a possible $1million fine for her false and misleading conduct.
Despite her previous issues, Gibson has been recently caught promoting another alleged diet regime. Gibson claims that her colonic irrigation caused her to expel a 15cm “HUGE ROPE WORM” and that it prevented two of her teeth from needing fillings. She also claims that her tonsils are now “30% smaller” and that her eye colour is changing from hazel to “green with blue underneath”.
Gibson's post, which appeared on closed Facebook Group "Master Fast System" has been taken down.
"If you have been given a death sentence and without hope, let us teach you that EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE and your situation CAN be turned around no matter what “they” named your dis-ease," the website for the System reads.
Publicity and group membership has skyrocketed thanks to sceptical Aussies that remember Gibson.
Justice Mortimer drew on actions like this when handing down her Judgment, stating that:
“Ms Gibson deliberately played on the genuine desire of members of the Australian community to help those less fortunate."
It seems that bad habits certainly do die hard.
Any promises made by an individual or organisation that donations to charity organisations are to be made, should be followed through. If not, organisations run the risk of facing serious consequence and legal action.
If you are aware of any organisations or entities which have not been passing on their donations, please contact us on 02 8917 8700.