Netflix’s latest hit series, Apple Cider Vinegar, has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of the early wellness influencer era. The show, which follows a fictionalized version of real-life scammer Belle Gibson, explores the rise and fall of social media health gurus who gained fame by promoting alternative treatments.
A major point of intrigue is Milla Blake, a young wellness influencer who forgoes conventional cancer treatment in favor of controversial alternative therapies. But how much of Milla’s story is real? Many viewers have drawn parallels between her and Jessica Ainscough, a real-life wellness blogger whose journey tragically ended in 2015.
Let’s break down the real-life inspirations behind Apple Cider Vinegar and explore the truth behind Milla Blake’s character.
Is Milla Blake Based on a Real Person?
Milla Blake, played by Alycia Debnam-Carey, is not a direct adaptation of any single person but rather a composite of various wellness influencers from the early days of Instagram. According to Apple Cider Vinegar creator Samantha Strauss, the character was inspired by a “tapestry of people” from both the wellness and medical industries.
“Milla is a portrait of influencers at the time,” Strauss told Tudum by Netflix. “She’s someone who is desperately trying to save her own life and becomes blind to the truth because of it.”
While Milla is fictional, many believe she closely mirrors the real-life story of Jessica Ainscough, an Australian blogger known as The Wellness Warrior.
Jessica Ainscough: The Real-Life Wellness Influencer Who Inspired Milla Blake
Jessica Ainscough was an Australian writer and health advocate who gained fame after being diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Doctors recommended amputating her arm to increase her survival chances, but she declined and turned to alternative treatments instead.
Jessica’s Rise to Wellness Fame
- In 2008, at the age of 22, Jessica was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma.
- After undergoing unsuccessful chemotherapy, she opted for Gerson Therapy, an alternative cancer treatment involving raw juices, coffee enemas, and strict dietary protocols.
- Jessica documented her health journey through her blog, The Wellness Warrior, which gained a large following.
- She later published a book, Make Peace With Your Plate, and became a sought-after speaker in the wellness community.
Jessica’s approach resonated with thousands who were skeptical of conventional medicine, but it also sparked controversy among medical professionals who warned of the dangers of rejecting evidence-based treatment.
The Tragic Downfall of Jessica Ainscough
For a time, Jessica seemed to be thriving. Her vibrant online presence and dedication to alternative healing attracted a loyal audience. However, by 2013, her condition worsened.
Tragically, Jessica’s mother, Sharyn Ainscough, was also diagnosed with cancer and chose to follow Gerson Therapy. She passed away in 2013. Two years later, on February 26, 2015, Jessica succumbed to her illness at just 30 years old.
Following her death, medical experts reiterated the dangers of promoting unproven treatments. Her story became a cautionary tale about the risks of wellness culture misinformation—a theme Apple Cider Vinegar explores in depth.
Milla Blake vs. Jessica Ainscough: Key Similarities and Differences
While Apple Cider Vinegar does not explicitly name Jessica Ainscough as Milla Blake’s real-life counterpart, the similarities are hard to ignore.
| Aspect | Jessica Ainscough | Milla Blake (Apple Cider Vinegar) |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Diagnosis | Epithelioid sarcoma at 22 | Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma |
| Recommended Treatment | Amputation of the arm | Amputation of the arm |
| Alternative Therapy | Gerson Therapy (raw juices, coffee enemas) | Hirsch Therapy (fictionalized version of Gerson Therapy) |
| Online Presence | The Wellness Warrior blog | Green Stone Healing blog |
| Book Published | Make Peace With Your Plate | From Hell to Well |
| Death | Passed away in 2015 at age 30 | Dies in the series after refusing conventional treatment |
One key difference is Apple Cider Vinegar’s dramatization of Milla’s rivalry with Belle Gibson. In real life, Jessica Ainscough and Belle Gibson knew of each other but did not have the competitive, antagonistic relationship depicted in the show.
The Role of Belle Gibson in Both Stories
Belle Gibson, played by Kaitlyn Dever in Apple Cider Vinegar, was a real-life wellness influencer who falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer through natural remedies. She built a business empire based on this deception, eventually launching an app and book titled The Whole Pantry.
In 2015, it was revealed that Belle had never had cancer, and her fraudulent claims led to legal action. She was ordered to pay fines for misleading consumers, and her reputation was permanently tarnished.
In Apple Cider Vinegar, Milla and Belle’s paths intertwine as they both vie for social media influence. The show highlights the dark side of wellness culture, where influencers profit from the vulnerability of those seeking hope.
A Cautionary Tale for the Wellness Industry
Jessica Ainscough’s story—and its fictionalized retelling in Apple Cider Vinegar—serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of alternative medicine when used in place of evidence-based treatment. While wellness influencers may genuinely believe in the methods they promote, the consequences can be life-altering, or even fatal.
As Apple Cider Vinegar streams on Netflix, it continues to spark discussions about the ethics of influencer culture, the responsibility of social media platforms, and the importance of critical thinking when it comes to health advice.
What are your thoughts on Apple Cider Vinegar and the real-life stories that inspired it? Let us know in the comments!
Hi, my name is Nikita Joshi, a graduate of Hindu College, Delhi University, and a passionate blogger. With 8 years of experience in On-Page SEO and Proofreading, I specialize writing content that not only resonates with readers but also ranks well on search engines. My work also includes moderating content at APPE, where I ensure high-quality content by maintaining the standards of accuracy and relevance. I focus on delivering valuable information, particularly covering Nationwide Announcements and Finance, and consistently aim to provide insightful content to my audience.