Victorian Consumer Watchdog Steps Up Belle Gibson Investigation

The ever-thickening plot surrounding disgraced wellness blogger Belle Gibson is chugging right along, as Consumer Affairs Victoria is stepping up their probe into The Whole Pantry creator’s finances, according to The Sydney Morning Herald

Legal action has been brought against Belle Gibson, following the scandal which would eventually upheave her hugely successful app and cookbook empire – involving a failure to deliver promised funds to five charities – including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. 

Fairfax reports today that Belle Gibson now has until July 9 to provide evidence, such as fundraising receipts, to Consumer Affairs Victoria over the donations, and answer questions about her health conditions.  Consumer Affairs Victoria made the requests yesterday at the Melbourne Magistrates Court, where Gibson was not present. 

The consequences Gibson could face for fundraising fraud—12 months jail time and fines of up to $14,000—may well pale in comparison to her public shaming, following an explosive interview last week with 60 Minutes journalist Tara Brown – this week criticised by psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg as one designed to “exploit” Gibson. 

Belle Gibson was rumoured to have been paid $45,000 for the interview; a petition for the former blogger to donate the sum to charity has emerged. Gibson was spotted for the first time in public for months, according to news.com.au.

via SMH.

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