Did Clive Leave Belle In Apple Cider Vinegar? Unpacking The Netflix Show's Real-Life Story

April Shanahan

31 Jul, 2025

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The Netflix show 'Apple Cider Vinegar' has certainly sparked a lot of conversations, hasn't it? Many people are really curious about the true story behind the series, especially when it comes to the character of Clive and his connection to Belle. It's a tale that, you know, pulls you right in, making you wonder just how much of what you see on screen actually happened in real life.

The show, which tells the story of Australian influencer Belle Gibson and her wellness app, 'The Whole Pantry,' brought to light a rather complex relationship. It features a character named Clive, portrayed by the talented Ashley Zukerman, and viewers are naturally left with some big questions about his real-life counterpart and what became of him. It's a rather interesting situation, to say the least.

So, did Clive really leave Belle, as the title playfully suggests, in a metaphorical "apple cider vinegar" situation? We're going to look closely at the facts from the actual story, giving you a clearer picture of their relationship, how things changed, and where the real Clive Rothwell is today. It's quite a narrative, honestly, that many people are keen to explore further.

The Real Story Behind "Apple Cider Vinegar"
Who is Clive Rothwell?
- Clive Rothwell: Personal Details
Clive and Belle's Relationship: On Screen and Off
- How Their Story Unfolded in the Show
- The Real-Life Connection
The Unraveling: Doubts and Deception
- Clive's Growing Concerns
- Why Did Clive Stay?
Where is Clive Rothwell Now?
- His Life After Belle Gibson
- Clive's Public Silence
Frequently Asked Questions About Clive and Belle
Final Thoughts on the Story

The Real Story Behind "Apple Cider Vinegar"

The Netflix limited series, 'Apple Cider Vinegar,' really brings to life the remarkable and, frankly, troubling story of Belle Gibson. She was this Australian influencer who, you know, claimed to have brain cancer and built up a huge wellness empire around her supposed recovery. The show really highlights how she managed to create 'The Whole Pantry,' her wellness app, and her cookbook, all while, apparently, faking her illness. It's a rather astonishing account of deception, wouldn't you say?

This program doesn't just focus on Belle, though. It also shows her relationship with a boyfriend named Clive, who was very much a part of her world during this time. The series takes us through the rise and eventual fall of her online presence, which was quite significant for a while. The story, as a matter of fact, really makes you think about trust and public figures.

The series, 'Apple Cider Vinegar,' effectively ends with Belle Gibson's fabrications about her health being brought to light. Her cookbook was pulled from shelves, and her online wellness business, which had grown so large, basically collapsed. The show, however, doesn't explicitly detail every single thing that happened next, especially concerning Clive, leaving some viewers with a bit of a question mark.

Who is Clive Rothwell?

Clive Rothwell is the real person behind the character of Clive in the Netflix show 'Apple Cider Vinegar.' He was, you know, Belle Gibson's partner during the time she was building her wellness brand and making those very serious claims about her health. It's a pretty central part of her story, as a matter of fact, that he was by her side.

The show portrays him as a significant figure in Belle's life, someone who was deeply involved in her personal world and, to some extent, her public persona. He’s played by the actor Ashley Zukerman, who many people might recognize from his role in 'Succession.' So, he's a well-known face bringing this character to life, which adds another layer of interest for viewers, honestly.

It's worth noting that, like your, many people who watch the show become curious about the real Clive. They want to know more about his background, his involvement, and what his life looks like now, after all the events depicted. It’s a very natural curiosity, I think, when a show is based on real people and real happenings.

Clive Rothwell: Personal Details

Detail	Information
Name	Clive Rothwell
Relationship with Belle Gibson	Former Partner
Portrayed in Netflix Show	Yes, by Ashley Zukerman
Current Location (Reported)	Australia
Current Age (Reported as of 2023)	In his 50s
Public Comment on 'Apple Cider Vinegar'	Has not publicly commented
Public Comment on Belle's Scam	Has never spoken out publicly

Clive and Belle's Relationship: On Screen and Off

The connection between Clive Rothwell and Belle Gibson is a rather central element portrayed in Netflix's 'Apple Cider Vinegar.' The series really shows how their relationship developed and, eventually, how it started to fall apart as Belle's deceptions became harder to maintain. It's a quite significant part of the overall narrative, you know, that really helps shape the story.

Belle and Clive's relationship started in 2010, after Belle had already had a child at the age of 18 with a previous partner. So, when Clive came into her life, he also became a stepfather to her son. This detail is also reflected in the 'Apple Cider Vinegar' show, showing that their bond was not just between the two of them, but also involved her child, which is pretty important.

The portrayal in the show really digs into the complexities of their connection. It suggests that, in a way, Clive was a supportive figure initially, helping Belle with her wellness app, 'The Whole Pantry.' But, as the series progresses, you see the strain and the very serious issues that began to surface between them, which is a key part of the drama.

How Their Story Unfolded in the Show

In the Netflix series, the depiction of Clive and Belle's relationship begins to show signs of trouble by the fourth episode. It's at this point that Clive tells Belle something rather significant: his parents, apparently, think he should leave her. What's more, they don't believe she actually has cancer, which is a huge blow to Belle's story, you know.

This moment in the show is pretty crucial, as it marks a turning point where the cracks in Belle's fabricated reality start to become more obvious, even to those closest to her. It really highlights the pressure and the mounting suspicion that was building around her claims. The show, in a way, handles this very delicate part of their story with a certain amount of care.

Towards the end of the series, we see a scene where Belle, after an interview filmed at her home in Los Angeles, joins Clive Rothwell, played by Ashley Zukerman, and her son by the pool. In that moment, the trio look happy and healthy, which, you know, might give viewers a false sense of security about their future together, especially given what we know about the real story.

The Real-Life Connection

In real life, just like in 'Apple Cider Vinegar,' Clive Rothwell did become a stepfather to Belle's son. This bond with her child was, in some respects, a very strong reason why Clive stayed with Belle for a considerable time, even as doubts about her cancer claims began to grow. It’s a pretty powerful motivator, honestly, when children are involved.

The journalists who wrote the book that the show is based on, Donelly and Toscano, heard from sources that this connection to her son was one of the primary reasons Clive remained by Belle's side. The show’s creators, according to Strauss, really leaned into that aspect, making it a key part of Clive's character and his motivations. It's a very human element, you know, in a story full of difficult truths.

So, while the show captures the essence of their relationship and its eventual degradation, it also tries to explain the deeper reasons for Clive's presence. It suggests that his commitment went beyond just Belle, extending to her family unit. This adds a lot of depth to his character, I think, and makes his choices a bit more understandable in the context of the situation.

The Unraveling: Doubts and Deception

The story of Belle Gibson's deception is, you know, a very complex one, and Clive Rothwell's role within it is particularly intriguing. As the narrative progresses, both in the show and in real life, the truth behind Belle's claims about her health began to unravel. This put Clive in a very difficult position, as he was right there in the middle of it all, basically.

It’s clear from the information available that Clive, at some point, started to have serious concerns about Belle's honesty. This wasn't something that happened overnight, but rather a gradual realization. It must have been incredibly challenging, honestly, to come to terms with such a possibility when you're in a relationship with someone.

The show, 'Apple Cider Vinegar,' gives us a glimpse into this process, showing the moments where Clive's suspicions begin to solidify. It’s a rather tense period, as the audience knows the truth, but the characters are still living through the uncertainty and the slow reveal of the deception. This kind of slow burn of discovery is pretty compelling, I think.

Clive's Growing Concerns

After having numerous conversations with Belle's mother, it apparently became quite clear to Clive that Belle was not being truthful about her illness. This would have been a rather devastating realization for anyone in his position. It’s one thing to hear rumors, but to have it confirmed by a close family member would, you know, make it very real and very hard to ignore.

Despite this growing certainty that Belle was not being honest, Clive, because he loved her, chose not to expose her. This is a pretty significant detail in their story, as it shows a deep personal conflict within him. He was aware of the deception, yet he decided to stay silent, which is a very powerful choice, honestly, given the circumstances.

This decision to protect Belle, even with his knowledge of her fabrications, really adds layers to his character in the 'Apple Cider Vinegar' narrative. It highlights the complexities of human relationships, especially when trust is broken in such a profound way. It makes you wonder, you know, about the pressures he must have felt during that time.

Why Did Clive Stay?

The question of why Clive stayed with Belle, even after realizing her deception, is one that many people ponder. The information suggests that a significant reason was his connection to Belle's son. He had become a stepfather to the child, and that bond was, in a way, a very strong anchor for him, keeping him in the relationship despite the difficulties.

The journalists who investigated Belle Gibson's story reported that sources indicated Clive's desire to stay was indeed linked to her son. The show's creators, as a matter of fact, used this insight to build Clive's character, showing how his love for the child influenced his choices. It's a very human aspect, this loyalty and care for a young person.

So, it wasn't just about his feelings for Belle herself, but also about the family unit they had created, however unconventional it might have been. This particular reason for staying paints a picture of a man caught in a very tough situation, trying to do what he felt was right, you know, for the child involved. It's a rather poignant detail in the whole story.

Where is Clive Rothwell Now?

After the dramatic events surrounding Belle Gibson's exposed deception, many people naturally wonder about the real Clive Rothwell and what his life is like today. It's a pretty common question for viewers of 'Apple Cider Vinegar,' as the show leaves some of these real-life details open-ended. People want to know, you know, how things turned out for him.

As of 2023, it was reported that Belle Gibson and Clive Rothwell are no longer together. They have, in fact, split up. So, the question of "Did Clive leave Belle in apple cider vinegar?" can be answered with a clear "yes," in the sense that their relationship ended. He seems to have moved on from the entire situation, which is a very understandable step, honestly.

Clive is now reportedly in his 50s and, from what we know, he continues to live in Australia. While the specific details of what he is currently doing are not widely known, the general sense is that he has stepped away from the public eye. This quiet existence is, you know, quite a contrast to the highly publicized events he was once a part of.

His Life After Belle Gibson

It is not publicly known what Clive Rothwell is currently up to, in terms of his professional or personal life, beyond the fact that he is no longer with Belle Gibson. This lack of public information suggests that he has chosen to live a very private life since the events depicted in 'Apple Cider Vinegar' unfolded. It's a rather sensible choice, I think, given the circumstances.

He has, as a matter of fact, not spoken about the portrayal of 'Clive' in the Netflix series, nor has he publicly commented on 'Apple Cider Vinegar' at all. This silence is quite consistent with his overall approach to the situation. It shows, you know, a clear desire to move on and perhaps leave that chapter of his life behind him.

The limited information available indicates that he has indeed moved forward from the entire experience. This would suggest a focus on his own well-being and a desire for a more normal existence, away from the spotlight that Belle Gibson's story brought. It's a pretty common reaction, honestly, for people who have been through such public and difficult times.

Clive's Public Silence

Clive Rothwell has never publicly spoken out about Belle Gibson’s scam. This is a very notable point, given his close proximity to the deception and the devastating impact it had on so many people. His silence, you know, speaks volumes in its own way, perhaps indicating a desire to avoid further public scrutiny or to simply put the past behind him.

According to the book by Donelly and Toscano, Clive did, however, talk about the scam with some of his friends. One of these friends then shared information with the journalists, which helped piece together parts of the story. So, while he hasn't made public statements, he did, apparently, confide in his personal circle, which is pretty understandable.

This decision to remain publicly quiet, even after the Netflix show brought the story back into the public conversation, reinforces the idea that Clive Rothwell prefers to keep his life private. It's a rather consistent stance he has maintained throughout the years. For more details on the broader story of Belle Gibson, you can check out reliable news sources that covered her case extensively, like The Guardian's reporting on Belle Gibson.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clive and Belle

Many people have questions about Clive Rothwell and his relationship with Belle Gibson, especially after watching the Netflix show 'Apple Cider Vinegar.' Here are some common inquiries that come up, and the answers based on the information available.

Was Clive Rothwell really Belle Gibson's partner?

Yes, Clive Rothwell was indeed Belle Gibson's partner in real life. Their relationship is portrayed in the Netflix series 'Apple Cider Vinegar,' and the information confirms that he was a significant figure in her life during the time she built her wellness empire. It's a very clear part of the story, you know, that he was there with her.

What happened to Clive Rothwell after Belle Gibson's scam was exposed?

After Belle Gibson's deception was exposed, Clive Rothwell and Belle Gibson are no longer together; they have split up. It's reported that Clive is now in his 50s and still lives in Australia. He has, as a matter of fact, moved on from the entire situation and has not publicly commented on the Netflix show or Belle's scam. He seems to prefer a private life, which is pretty understandable.

Why did Clive Rothwell stay with Belle Gibson even after knowing about her lies?

Sources suggest that one of the main reasons Clive Rothwell stayed with Belle Gibson, even after he realized she was not being honest about her cancer, was because of her son. Clive had become a stepfather to Belle's child, and this bond was a very strong factor in his decision to remain by her side. He loved her, and he chose not to expose her, which is a rather complex aspect of his character, honestly.

Final Thoughts on the Story

The story of Clive Rothwell and Belle Gibson, as brought to light in 'Apple Cider Vinegar,' really offers a fascinating look into a very complex human drama. It's a narrative that, you know, goes beyond just the deception itself, exploring the intricate relationships and the personal struggles of those involved. The show, in a way, tries to present a layered view, showing that even in situations of great wrongdoing, human motivations can be quite nuanced.

While the series doesn't absolve Belle Gibson of her actions, and she certainly isn't portrayed as pure evil, it does give us a glimpse into the lives affected, including Clive's. His journey, from being a supportive partner to realizing the truth and eventually moving on, is a rather compelling part of the overall tale. It makes you think about the choices people make, honestly, in very difficult circumstances.

To learn more about on our site, and link to this page . The story continues to be a point of discussion, prompting many to reflect on the nature of truth, trust, and the impact of public personas. It's a very thought-provoking series, and the real-life details behind it are just as compelling, if not more so, than the dramatized version.