If you’ve been watching Netflix’s new crime drama, Apple Cider Vinegar, you probably have a lot of questions about Belle Gibson and her real-life partner, Clive Rothwell.
For many, Apple Cider Vinegar will be their first introduction to the fascinating real-life story of Gibson, an early 2010s wellness influencer who faked terminal brain cancer and then claimed she cured it with diet and natural ‘remedies’.
And while the series changed the names of some characters, others—like Clive—have remained the same. So, who is Clive Rothwell and what happened to him after the Belle Gibson scandal broke? Here, everything we know.
Who Is Belle Gibson’s Partner, Clive Rothwell?
While Gibson lived a very public life, Rothwell stayed largely out of the spotlight. However, some aspects of his life portrayed in Apple Cider Vinegar are reportedly true. For example, he was reportedly an IT consultant, and he allegedly did have a personal relationship with Belle and her son.
Most of what we know about Clive came through court statements made by Belle. However, Gibson was extremely tight-lipped on her relationship with Clive, denying their romantic involvement and even saying she didn’t know what he did for a living.
When Belle was grilled in court regarding her expenses, she said she owed $90,000 to Clive Rothwell but would not say what for. She also said that although the two lived together but did not have a romantic relationship. However, Gibson’s friend Chanelle McAuliffe had previously referred to Rothwell as Gibson’s “partner” in an interview with Woman’s Day.
Meanwhile, in 2015 Woman’s Day also reportedly separately that Gibson and Rothwell had suffered a miscarriage in 2012. Gibson was interviewed for the piece, thought Rothwell denied. Following the exposure of Belle’s fraudulent activities, she said Clive was “supportive but obviously devastated”. “He’s been very stern, along the lines of, ‘I just want you to acknowledge where you’ve f***ed up and not try and smooth over that’,” she shared.
Was Clive Rothwell Involved In Belle Gibson’s Business?
Although Rothwell has escaped any link to Gibson’s crimes, he was involved in her The Whole Pantry business, and reportedly registered the website domain name in 2013.
Meanwhile, in 2019, The Age reported on Gibson’s appearance in court, where she was challenged for not paying her $410,000 fine for crimes relating to her cancer charity fraud. Belle claimed to be heavily in debt, and said Rothwell had been the one paying for her rent, legal costs and living expenses. She also claimed he paid entirely for a $5000 trip she and her son took to Africa, and also gave her $2000 cash for accommodation.
However, when asked what Clive did for a living, Belle said, “that’s not my business”.
Are Clive Rothwell And Belle Gibson Still Together?
In the series, it appears Rothwell decides to stay with Gibson amid the scandal. This also appeared to be the case in real life, as the couple were still living together in 2019. However, as of 2025, it is possible they are no longer together.
In 2023, the Daily Mail obtained photos of Rothwell with another woman.
Where Is Clive Rothwell Now?
Clive Rothwell reportedly still lives in Australia. He has not spoken about the portrayal of ‘Clive’ in Apple Cider Vinegar.
