Apple Cider Vinegar: Unveiling the Inspiration Behind the Character Milla Blake
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The latest Netflix series, “Apple Cider Vinegar,” delves into the world of wellness influencer Belle Gibson and her rise to fame by allegedly curing terminal brain cancer through a healthy lifestyle. While the show may be a “true-ish story based on a lie,” it sheds light on the real-life individuals who inspired the characters, including Milla Blake, played by Alycia Debnam-Carey.
Milla Blake serves as Belle Gibson’s influencer rival in the series, narrating her own journey of holistic cancer treatment. Though Milla is a fictional character, she is loosely based on a real person whom Gibson encountered. The parallels between Milla and wellness entrepreneur Jessica Ainscough are striking, as both women navigated their battles with cancer through alternative means.
Jessica Ainscough, a former Australian teen magazine editor, transitioned into a wellness entrepreneur after being diagnosed with a rare cancer at the young age of 22. Like Milla, Ainscough explored unconventional treatment options, such as Gerson Therapy, which focuses on detoxifying the body and enhancing the immune system. Despite the lack of scientific backing for Gerson Therapy, Ainscough claimed it was effective in her case.
Ainscough’s online presence soared as she shared her cancer journey, earning her the moniker “The Wellness Warrior.” She organised Wellness Warrior events, inviting celebrity wellness figures to share their own stories. The character Milla in the series mirrors Ainscough’s path, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she experienced throughout her holistic healing journey.
Tragically, Ainscough’s story took a heartbreaking turn when her mother, Sharyn Ainscough, was also diagnosed with cancer and attempted Gerson Therapy. Despite their efforts, Sharyn passed away in 2013, leaving Jessica to navigate her own battle with cancer alone. Ainscough found love amidst her struggles, getting engaged to Tallon Pamenter in 2014. However, her fight came to an end in 2015, seven years after her initial diagnosis.
Tallon Pamenter, Ainscough’s fiancé, paid tribute to her on social media, expressing his admiration and love for the woman who had impacted his life so profoundly. In the aftermath of Ainscough’s passing, Pamenter has moved forward, finding love once again and preparing to welcome a new chapter in his life with his wife.
While the Netflix series paints a picture of rivalry between Belle Gibson and Jessica Ainscough through their fictional counterparts, the reality was different. Gibson and Ainscough did not have a close relationship, with limited interaction between them at a conference outside Melbourne. Despite this, Gibson attended Ainscough’s funeral in 2015, showcasing a gesture of respect amidst their differing paths and beliefs.
The character Chanelle in the series represents a blend of Ainscough’s manager, who disputed their association, and Gibson’s friend, Chanelle McAuliffe, who played a pivotal role in uncovering the truth behind Gibson’s fabrications. McAuliffe’s suspicions were sparked by an incident at her son’s birthday party, leading her to dig deeper into Gibson’s claims and eventually expose her deceit to the public.
In conclusion, the character of Milla Blake in “Apple Cider Vinegar” sheds light on the profound impact of real-life individuals like Jessica Ainscough, who navigated their battles with cancer and found solace in holistic approaches. The series serves as a reminder of the complexities within the wellness industry and the importance of authenticity and transparency in health narratives.