There's a new show making waves on Netflix, and it's got everyone, quite literally, talking about its central figures and a very specific question: Did Clive leave Belle in "Apple Cider Vinegar"? This limited series, which, you know, just dropped recently, has brought the fascinating and, frankly, rather complex story of Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson to a global audience. It’s a true tale, actually, that revolves around her rise to fame built on a foundation of faked illness, and at the heart of much of it, it seems, was her partner, Clive Rothwell. People are really curious about what happened between them, and the show, in a way, gives us a glimpse, but it also leaves some things for us to piece together.

The series, titled "Apple Cider Vinegar," tells the compelling story of Belle Gibson, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, an individual who, it turns out, fabricated a brain cancer diagnosis and then managed to build a rather large wellness empire around it. This included, for instance, a popular wellness app called "The Whole Pantry," and also, a cookbook. Her journey, as the show portrays, was certainly meteoric, a truly quick ascent into the public eye, but, as we come to learn, it was also, very much, based on deception. Her story serves as the inspiration for this Netflix production, and it really makes you think about the nature of influence and trust.

So, as viewers settle into this dramatic retelling, a significant part of the narrative focuses on Belle's personal relationships, especially the one with Clive Rothwell, who, it’s worth noting, is played by the talented Ashley Zukerman. The show, rather, depicts him as Belle's romantic partner, someone who, in a way, financially supported her growing empire, yet managed to stay, seemingly, largely out of the direct spotlight. We'll explore, you know, the real facts behind their connection, what the series shows, and what we know about where Clive is now, addressing that very question about whether he, in fact, left Belle, or how their relationship truly ended.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind "Apple Cider Vinegar"
  • Who is Belle Gibson?
  • Who is Clive Rothwell?
• Clive and Belle's Relationship in "Apple Cider Vinegar"
  • The Early Days
  • The Cracks Appear
  • The Unraveling
• So, Did Clive Leave Belle in "Apple Cider Vinegar"?
• Where is the Real Clive Rothwell Now?
  • Life After Belle
  • His Silence
• Personal Details: Clive Rothwell
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Story Behind "Apple Cider Vinegar"

The Netflix series "Apple Cider Vinegar" truly offers a look into a rather remarkable, and indeed, troubling, true story. It's about, you know, an Australian influencer whose life, for a time, seemed to be a beacon of wellness and hope, but which, it turned out, was built on a significant deception. The show, in its narrative, aims to tell this story not just from Belle's perspective, but also, rather, through the experiences of those who were, in a way, manipulated and conned by her actions. It's a series that, it seems, makes an active effort to highlight the impact on others, which is pretty important.

This dramatization, actually, gives viewers a chance to understand the context of Belle Gibson's rise and, ultimately, her very messy fall. It’s a story that, you know, resonated widely, particularly in Australia, and now, with its streaming on Netflix, it's reaching an even broader audience. The title itself, "Apple Cider Vinegar," is a nod to the wellness world that Belle, sort of, claimed to inhabit, a world often associated with natural remedies and, perhaps, a certain kind of hopeful, yet sometimes misguided, belief in alternative health practices. It’s a fascinating, if somewhat unsettling, look at modern influence and the consequences of dishonesty.

Who is Belle Gibson?

Belle Gibson, as depicted in "Apple Cider Vinegar" by Kaitlyn Dever, was, you know, an Australian influencer who gained considerable fame and a large online following. She first really started to gain acclaim, it seems, around May 2013, when she launched her Instagram account, @healing_belle. Her public image was, rather, centered around her claim of having brain cancer, a very serious illness, which she said she was managing through alternative therapies and a healthy lifestyle. This narrative, actually, deeply resonated with many people, leading her to build a significant wellness empire.

Her empire, you know, included the aforementioned wellness app, "The Whole Pantry," and also, a cookbook, both of which were quite popular. Belle’s story, as it unfolded, was one of apparent triumph over adversity, a very compelling narrative for her followers. However, as the series, and the true story, reveals, her claims about having cancer were, in fact, false. This deception, it seems, eventually came to light, leading to the toppling of her online empire, the pulping of her cookbook, and the exposure of her lies. It was, rather, a tragic impact, as the latter half of the Netflix series truly shows, highlighting the dangerous side of such public fabrication.

Who is Clive Rothwell?

Clive Rothwell, as portrayed by Ashley Zukerman in "Apple Cider Vinegar," is, you know, introduced as Belle Gibson's boyfriend and, rather, a key figure who financially supported her burgeoning wellness empire. He’s shown as someone who, in a way, managed to stay largely out of the direct public eye, even as Belle's fame grew. The show depicts him as Belle's romantic partner, someone who was, arguably, deeply involved in her life and her ventures, right from the beginning of her public ascent. It’s clear, too, that his role was significant, providing a kind of backbone for her endeavors.

The series, you know, suggests that Clive was a mysterious partner, someone who was there, supporting, but not necessarily seeking the spotlight himself. He’s featured in "Apple Cider Vinegar" as an important part of Belle's story, particularly in how her online presence and app, "The Whole Pantry," were built. He became, it seems, a stepfather to Belle's son, a child she had at 18 with a previous boyfriend before meeting Clive. This aspect of his life, his connection to Belle’s son, is, rather, a crucial element in understanding his actions and decisions throughout the story, as we'll see.

Clive and Belle's Relationship in "Apple Cider Vinegar"

The relationship between Clive Rothwell and Belle Gibson is, you know, a central thread woven through the narrative of Netflix's "Apple Cider Vinegar." The show, rather, takes us through the various stages of their connection, from its beginnings to its eventual degradation. It’s a portrayal that aims to give viewers a sense of the emotional landscape of their partnership, and how it was, perhaps, impacted by the unfolding events of Belle’s public life and her private deceptions. Their dynamic is, truly, a key part of understanding the whole story, offering a human element to the broader narrative of fraud.

The series, it seems, really brings to life the intricacies of their bond, showing how Clive was, in a way, drawn into Belle's world and became deeply invested in her life and her son's. It's a relationship that, as the show progresses, faces significant challenges, particularly as Belle's fabricated story begins to unravel. The portrayal is, you know, quite telling, suggesting that while Belle was building her public persona, Clive was often in the background, offering support, both personal and financial. This dynamic is, arguably, a very important aspect of the series' depiction of events.

The Early Days

Belle met Clive in 2010, and they, rather, began a relationship, which is shown in "Apple Cider Vinegar." Just like in the series, he became a stepfather to Belle's son, a significant step in their partnership. The show, you know, portrays them as a happy and healthy trio, particularly in scenes like when Belle exits an interview filmed at her home in Los Angeles and joins Clive and her son at the pool. These moments, it seems, aim to establish the initial warmth and stability of their family unit, before the deeper truths began to surface. It’s a depiction of a seemingly idyllic start to their life together.

Clive’s involvement in Belle’s life, it appears, was quite deep from these early stages. He was not just a romantic partner, but also, in a way, integrated into her family life, taking on the role of a stepfather. This early portrayal in "Apple Cider Vinegar" sets the scene for the emotional investment Clive had in Belle and her son, which, you know, becomes a crucial factor later on. It highlights the personal connection that existed, a bond that, arguably, made the subsequent revelations all the more complex and difficult for him to navigate. It truly lays the groundwork for the emotional stakes involved.

The Cracks Appear

As "Apple Cider Vinegar" progresses, the relationship between Clive and Belle, you know, begins to degrade. By the fourth episode, in fact, we see clear signs of this deterioration. It's during this time that Clive, rather, tells Belle something quite impactful: his parents, it seems, think he should leave her. And, perhaps even more significantly, they don't believe she actually has cancer. This moment, truly, marks a pivotal shift in their dynamic, as external pressure and internal doubt begin to surface within their partnership. It’s a very telling sign that things are not as they seem, and that the truth is, in a way, starting to catch up.

The parents' disbelief, you know, adds a layer of external validation to the growing suspicion surrounding Belle's claims. This conversation, too, highlights the immense pressure Clive was likely feeling, caught between his loyalty to Belle and the stark reality being presented by his own family. It suggests that, rather, the facade Belle had built was beginning to crumble, not just in the public eye, but within her most intimate relationships. This period, it seems, is where the emotional toll on Clive truly becomes apparent, as he grapples with the escalating deception and its implications for his life and his family.

The Unraveling

The unraveling of Belle Gibson’s lies, and consequently, her relationship with Clive, is, you know, a central focus as "Apple Cider Vinegar" draws towards its conclusion. After numerous conversations with Belle's mother, it became very clear to Clive, it seems, that Belle was not being honest about her illness. This realization, truly, must have been incredibly difficult for him, confirming his deepest fears or suspicions. However, despite this profound discovery, the series, and the real story, indicates that because he loved her, he never publicly exposed her and, rather, chose to stay with her for a period. This decision is, arguably, a very complex one, showing the depth of his personal connection.

The journalists, it seems, did hear from sources that one of the reasons Clive was staying with Belle was, rather, because of her son. The show, in a way, really leaned into that particular aspect, highlighting his role as a stepfather and his apparent concern for the child. This suggests that his decision to remain, even knowing the truth, was not simply out of love for Belle, but also, very much, out of a sense of responsibility or care for her son. The series ends with Belle Gibson’s lies about her cancer being exposed, her cookbook pulped, and her online empire toppled, but it doesn’t explicitly show Clive leaving her. It leaves the audience, you know, somewhat unclear on the precise moment of their final separation within the show's narrative, though the outcome is clear.

So, Did Clive Leave Belle in "Apple Cider Vinegar"?

The question of whether Clive actually left Belle in "Apple Cider Vinegar" is, you know, one that many viewers might have after watching the series. The show, rather, doesn't explicitly depict a dramatic scene where Clive packs his bags and walks out the door. Instead, the narrative focuses on the exposure of Belle's lies and the collapse of her public persona. The series concludes with the aftermath of her deception becoming public knowledge, her wellness empire crumbling, and her cookbook being pulled from shelves. This ending, it seems, leaves the precise moment of their separation somewhat ambiguous on screen, which is, perhaps, a deliberate choice.

However, the real-life information provided clarifies their situation. As of 2023, it was reported that Belle Gibson and Clive Rothwell are, in fact, no longer together and have split. So, while the show might not offer a definitive "leaving" scene, the reality is that their relationship did come to an end. It's not known, you know, exactly when or how that final separation occurred, but the fact remains that they are no longer a couple. The series, in a way, highlights the degradation of their relationship leading up to the exposure, which certainly points towards an inevitable parting of ways, even if the exact moment isn't shown.

It’s important to remember, too, that the series, while based on a true story, is a dramatization. It focuses on the broader impact of Belle's actions and the people affected by her deception. The portrayal of Clive's character, particularly his growing awareness of Belle's dishonesty, and the pressure from his family, certainly builds towards the conclusion that their relationship could not, rather, endure. The information we have confirms that, ultimately, they did part ways, even if the show, you know, chooses to end at a different narrative point, focusing more on the public downfall than the private split.

Where is the Real Clive Rothwell Now?

After the events portrayed in "Apple Cider Vinegar" and the public exposure of Belle Gibson's deception, many people, you know, wonder about the real Clive Rothwell. What happened to him? Where is he now? The information available suggests that Clive Rothwell, it seems, still lives in Australia. He is now, rather, in his 50s, and it appears he has moved on from the entire situation surrounding Belle Gibson and her public scandal. This is, truly, a significant detail, indicating a desire for a life away from the intense scrutiny that came with his past relationship.

It’s worth noting, too, that Clive helped pay Belle’s rent and her legal fees for a period, even after the revelations. This suggests a complex dynamic, perhaps a lingering sense of responsibility or connection, even as their romantic relationship ended. His current status indicates a quiet life, seemingly far removed from the public drama that once engulfed him. It's a testament, arguably, to his desire for privacy and a fresh start after such a tumultuous experience. People are, naturally, curious about the real individuals behind such a compelling story, and Clive's current whereabouts provide some closure on his personal journey.

Life After Belle

Clive Rothwell, you know, appears to have sought a life away from the public eye following his relationship with Belle Gibson and the fallout from her scam. The reports suggest he is, rather, still residing in Australia, and that he is now in his 50s. This indicates a passage of time and, indeed, a progression in his life beyond the dramatic events depicted in "Apple Cider Vinegar." It's clear that, in some respects, he has moved on from the entire episode, which is, perhaps, understandable given the circumstances he found himself in. His current life seems to be one of relative anonymity, a stark contrast to the period when he was associated with a high-profile influencer.

While we know that Rothwell is no longer with Gibson, it is not publicly known what he is up to now. This lack of public information further supports the idea that he has, rather, deliberately chosen a more private existence. His life after Belle Gibson, it seems, is characterized by a quiet presence, allowing him to distance himself from the scandal and build a new path. This choice for privacy is, arguably, a very sensible one, given the intense public interest that surrounded Belle's story and, by extension, his own involvement in it. It truly highlights his desire to reclaim a normal life.

His Silence

One of the most notable aspects concerning the real Clive Rothwell is, you know, his consistent silence on the matter. He has not spoken about the portrayal of 'Clive' in "Apple Cider Vinegar," nor has he publicly commented on the series itself. This decision to remain quiet is, truly, quite striking, especially given the widespread attention the Netflix show has garnered. It suggests a strong desire to avoid further engagement with the public narrative surrounding Belle Gibson's scam and his own role within it. His silence is, arguably, a very deliberate choice, maintaining a boundary between his private life and the public's curiosity.

According to Donelly and Toscano’s book, which delves into Belle Gibson's story, Clive did talk about the scam with some of his friends. One of these friends, it seems, later shared information with the journalists, providing some insight into Clive's perspective. However, despite these private conversations,