Maria Chiorando - Freelance Senior Reporter

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Disturbing rise of 'Munchhausen by Internet': Belle Gibson is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to influencers faking cancer, with others being jailed for the same scam

09/03/25 10:15

Belle Gibson rose to internet fame in 2012, sharing her story about how she 'cured' terminal brain cancer through healthy eating, clean living and 'positive thinking'. The self-proclaimed wellness expert from Australia told people that she'd been given just four months to live, but had outlived this prognosis by years thanks to her lifestyle. Her inspiring story ensured she quickly gained a large following on Instagram, where she used the handle @healing_belle, as well as an app deal with Apple and book deal with Penguin. She said she would be making large donations to several charities. However, in 2014, the Melbourne-based influencer claimed that despite her new wellness-focused lifestyle, her cancer had returned, people began to grow suspicious and her whole story was exposed as a lie. Now the tale of the wellness scammer is reaching a global audience thanks to Netflix 's Apple Cider Vinegar, and sadly Belle isn't the only one whose heartfelt story about her cancer battle is not what it seems. While it may seem extreme to lie about having cancer, a trend has emerged which sees people doing just that - lying about being diagnosed with the condition for attention, or to make money from well-wishers, fund addictions or sell products. Here, FEMAIL looks at some of the people who have faked a cancer diagnosis......read

World Book Day 2025: Children don adorable fancy dress outfits to celebrate favourite literary characters
06/03/25 09:35
Children across the country are going into school dressed as their favourite literary characters to mark World Book Day.
Monty Don explains why gardeners should not cut the grass too short when mowing the lawn this spring
03/03/25 10:58
BBC presenter and gardening guru Monty Don has warned against making a common lawn mowing mistake this spring.
- 114 comments
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Robert De Niro's celeb-approved restaurant Tribeca Grill in New York City closes it doors after 35 years of hosting stars like Christopher Walken Keira Knightley and Katie Holmes
02/03/25 05:04
Robert De Niro 's legendary New York City restaurant Tribeca Grill closed last night after hosting celebrities including Nicole Kidman , Jennifer Lopez and Paul McCartney for 35 years.
- 27 comments
- 72 shares
Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer says his father 'did not suspect how deviant boarding school could be' - as Earl explains why he wrote about horrific childhood abuse in his memoir
02/03/25 04:18
Charles Spencer has discussed why he wrote his memoir, A Very Private School, in an interview with the Times.
- 6 comments
- 14 shares
The leading star of Oscar-nominated film who's facing 74 lashes and prison in Iran: Soheila Golestani is on trial for her part in The Seed of the Sacred Fig
02/03/25 12:57
Soheila Golestani,the lead in Oscar-nominated film The Seed of the Sacred Fig, won't attend tonight's ceremony as she's banned from leaving Tehran due to the film's critique of the Iranian regime.
- 13 comments
- 73 shares
King Charles attends Sunday church service in Sandringham ahead of meeting with President Zelensky - as calls to cancel Trump's state visit to the UK grow
02/03/25 12:04
The King was photographed attending church today in Norfolk - ahead of his meeting with the Ukranian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Psychiatrist reveals six reasons why female prison officers have sex with inmates
24/02/25 07:40
Forensic psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das, from London, has revealed six psychological reasons reasons female officers may have have sex with inmates in a video on YouTube.
- 210 comments
- 28 shares
I'm a vet - here is why declawing cats is barbaric and shameful
22/02/25 09:07
A vet on TikTok has slammed the practice of 'declawing' cats - which is outlawed in the UK but still permitted in several states across the pond - and branded it as 'barbaric'.
Spud Brothers offer last two jacket potatoes to passing couple - what happens next leaves people in tears
18/02/25 11:44
Fans of the Preston-based Spud Brothers have revealed how a TikTok video of the jacket potato business giving away free food left them in tears.
Beloved TikTok chef Spudman is threatened with EVICTION: Campaign to save viral potato genius from council who want to replace his stall
18/02/25 09:44
Beloved TikTok chef known as the Spudman could face eviction as a busybody council wants to remove him to plant flowerbeds.
Sex expert shares warning to Brits into 'Vorarephilia' - the bizarre fetish on the rise in the UK
17/02/25 12:35
An alarming new sexual fetish is becoming popular in UK bedrooms prompting experts to issue a warning to Brits who want to get involved in the trending kink.
- 523 comments
- 80 shares
'Distressed' teen boy reports 'ghost' sighting at busy London Underground station believed to be haunted
16/02/25 04:27
Rumours the London Underground is haunted have been fuelled after it was revealed a teenage boy spotted 'ghosts' - near King's Cross station.
- 1 comment
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Revealed: The gruesome true story behind international bestselling Japanese novel Butter
16/02/25 03:25
Waterstones recently revealed its 2024 Book of the Year - Japanese murder mystery Butter by Asako Yuzuki - which was based on the real life story of serial killer Kanae Kijima.
- 11 comments
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Queen Rania of Jordan's daughter Princess Iman gives birth to baby girl as gushing grandmother celebrates 'our family's newest blessing'
16/02/25 01:39
Princess Iman of Jordan has given birth to her first child - a baby girl she shares with her husband Jameel Thermiotis. Queen Rania announced the news on Instagram.
- 44 comments
- 119 shares
Naked drawing classes moved from London community centre after 30 years over child 'safeguarding' concerns - as teacher hits back at 'Taliban-like' ban
16/02/25 12:34
A life drawing class has moved after more than 30 years at a community centre - prompting an art teacher to compare the move to 'a Taliban attitude to artistic creation'.
- 75 comments
- 18 shares
Meghan Markle gives rare glimpse of daughter Lilibet in recent video - as fans notice similarity with 'her mama'
16/02/25 11:10
Fans of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken to X to share their delight at a recent video shared on Instagram of the Duchess - notably the appearance of Archie and Lilibet.
Inside Gordon Ramsay's worst rated restaurants with 'bad taste, bad service, bad price, bad everything' - as celeb chef closes yet another eatery
13/02/25 12:17
After working in the notoriously tricky world of hospitality for more than four decades, its only to be expected that Gordon Ramsay has some misses as well as hits - but what is his worst rated UK eatery?
- 87 comments
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Prince Harry's former friend Jack Whitehall reveals he was among the pals dropped by the Duke post Megxit - after Meghan Markle claimed men's 'buddies always blame the girl'
09/02/25 11:54
Prince Harry has reportedly ended a number of friendships since his relationship with Meghan Markle became serious. Here, FEMAIL looks at some of his allegedly lost friendships.
The dazzling guests who dressed to the nines as Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Chrysí Vardinogianni tie the knot after whirlwind romance
08/02/25 08:42
Prince Nikolaos wed his bride Chrysí Vardinogianni in the Greek capital of Athens on Friday - and there were some very glamorous guests at the event.
- 24 comments
- 18 shares
Major US fast food chain set to open 16 branches across the UK - and fans say it's 'better than KFC'
08/02/25 05:55
US fast food chain Slim Chickens, which some fans have described as 'better than KFC ' has announced plans to open 16 new outlets across the UK this year.
- 169 comments
- 61 shares
Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip are snapped smiling as they leave hospital in Stockholm with their new baby girl
08/02/25 03:52
Princess Sofia of Sweden and her husband her Prince Carl Philip have been photographed leaving Danderyds Hospital near Stockholm with their new baby daughter.
- 85 comments
- 55 shares
Donatella Versace shows off TINY waist at King Charles' black-tie dinner as she dazzles in skin-tight pink dress adorned with 1,500 crystals that took 500 hours to create
08/02/25 10:57
Donatella Versace stunned in a fitted pink gown as she attended a dazzling royal dinner to promote Anglo-Italian relations in Gloucester last night.
How Amandaland writer Sharon Horgan, 54, has broken Hollywood with award-winning writing - after spending her 20s in a VERY mundane job
06/02/25 05:04
Amandaland, the highly-anticipated spin-off of Motherland, aired its first episode on Wednesday night, and TV critics praised the show - making it the latest in a long line of hits for Sharon Horgan.
- 25 comments
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Is Steven Bartlett's empire showing signs of crumbling? The ever-growing list of controversies surrounding Dragons' Den star as he quietly steps down from Huel
05/02/25 08:41
Despite his early successes, UK-based entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, 32, has suffered multiple recent career blows.
Dog trainer reveals the breed you shouldn't adopt - unless you want a lot of hard work
02/02/25 02:07
Dog trainer Shelina Duke, from Surrey, has revealed the breed she finds trickiest to teach - and it's not what you might expect.
- 138 comments
- 24 shares
What REALLY happened between Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson?
01/02/25 09:22
The marriage between Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds is sparking fresh attention amid Ryan's current legal battle with Jutin Baldoni.
Prince William teams up with TikTok star Big Manny to extract DNA from a strawberry
30/01/25 10:55
Prince William put a smile on the face of his fans when he did a collaboration with science influencer Manny during a visit to NatureMetrics in Surrey yesterday.
Internet's favourite therapy dog dies age 15: Fans pay tribute to Norbert, who weighed just 3lbs and found fame by helping out thousands of hospitalised children
28/01/25 11:06
People have been paying tribute following the news that the internet's 'favourite therapy dog', Norbert, who lived in Los Angeles has died aged 15.
- 14 comments
- 65 shares
I'm a vet and here are the pros and cons of having an indoor or outdoor cat
27/01/25 07:46
UK-based veterinarian and vet Ben the Vet has discussed the controversial topic of whether people should keep their cats indoors or let them roam outside.
Psychologist reveals everyday fear that may mean you felt 'unseen' as a child - and 20 other signs that may show up in adulthood
25/01/25 01:49
Dr Lalitaa Suglaani is a clinical psychologist based in Birmingham. She outlined 21 signs that an adult felt 'invisible' when they were growing up.
- 48 comments
- 25 shares
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway steps out in style as she visits International Library of Fashion Research in Oslo amid health issues
24/01/25 04:40
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was photographed looking chic today as she visited the International Library Of Fashion at Stasjonsmesterbygningen in Oslo.
- 5 comments
- 32 shares
Waitrose commits to longer loo roll in Essentials range after customers revolted against 'shrinkflation'
24/01/25 10:44
UK supermarket chain Waitrose has reversed its decision to shrink its loo roll following a revolt from customers.
- 39 comments
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Footballer's wife makes 'final push' to raise money for cancer treatment saying it is 'too soon to tell my children I am leaving them'
23/01/25 12:15
Footballer's wife and mother-of-two Rachel Borthwick, from Glasgow , who is married to St Johnstone's Graham Carey, is frantically raising funds to seek alternative treatment in Germany.
- 98 comments
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Princess Diana's nieces Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer reveal surprising discovery after taking DNA test
23/01/25 11:06
Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer have revealed they discovered they are identical twins - after taking a 23andMe test, they revealed in an interview with Tatler magazine.
- 29 comments
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Lauren Sanchez's incredible transformation from girl next door to billionaire Bezos' bombshell - as she's slammed for 'inappropriate' Trump inauguration outfit
21/01/25 11:43
Lauren Sanchez donned a risqué ensemble to Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday evening, but those who have kept tabs on her will know that she didn't always used to dress this spicy.
I dropped out of school at 16 after being bullied - teachers said I was crazy but 10 years later I'm a millionaire
19/01/25 01:59
Liv Conlon, 26, originally from Glasgow, left school at 16, but has gone on to set up two successful businesses and become a millionaire.
- 39 comments
- 148 shares
Vanity Fair article raises questions about Meghan Markle's claims that Royals made her wear neutrals - as she wore the hues before and after Mexgit
18/01/25 04:33
A Vanity Fair article has once again raised questions over Meghan Markle's claims that the Royal Family made her wear neutral colours so she wouldn't stand out.
- 481 comments
- 134 shares
Top 10 revelations from Vanity Fair's savage takedown of Prince Harry and Meghan
18/01/25 12:19
A major new article by Vanity Fair magazine has looked over the five years that have elapsed since Harry and Meghan stepped down from their senior roles in the British Royal Family.
- 1667 comments
- 311 shares
Princess Anne puts on stylish display in red coat as she visits charity training injured servicemen to fly planes
16/01/25 04:42
Princess Anne put on a stylish display in a crimson coat as she visited a charity in Cheltenham today.
Queen Letizia of Spain is elegant in a chic midi dress as she attends sustainability event in Madrid
15/01/25 06:35
Queen Letizia was dressed for business today as she chaired an event in Madrid promoting sustainability.
- 11 comments
- 44 shares
Pizza Express fans fume after restaurant chain axes popular menu item
12/01/25 03:26
UK-based Pizza Express fans have shared their extreme displeasure after a popular item was removed from the menu.
- 1 comment
- 34 shares
How Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, and Pamela Anderson are challenging 'ageist' Hollywood with meaty roles and award show nods
11/01/25 01:29
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards suggest the tide is starting to turn -with middle-aged thespians being rewarded for their bold, stigma-defying, and nuanced performances this year.
The £3 B&M organisation buy shoppers say have helped them 'sort their lives out like Stacey Solomon'
09/01/25 02:54
A B&M storage hack is going viral, with UK shoppers raving about the budget-friendly store's affordable containers.
- 35 comments
- 24 shares
Psychologist reveals The Traitors players with a natural advantage - from 'analytical' Charlotte to 'magnetic' Jake (and why 'empathetic' Minah may be a headache for the faithfuls!)
08/01/25 04:55
Dr Rachael Molitor, a Chartered Psychologist and Coventry University Lecturer, has revealed how the personality traits of the contestants on this series of The Traitors will impact the game.
- 3 comments
- 10 shares
I'm a psychologist and here are 10 signs you're a highly sensitive person
07/01/25 04:28
Birmingham-based clinical psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani has revealed 10 signs you may be a highly sensitive person in a post on Instagram.
- 185 comments
- 28 shares
Queen Mary of Denmark stuns in chic grey gown as she hosts New Year reception for armed forces alongside King Frederik
07/01/25 01:30
Queen Mary of Denmark looked chic as she hosted a New Year's for reception for officers from the armed forces alongside her husband King Frederik on Tuesday in Copenhagen.
- 63 comments
- 43 shares
I'm a vet - if your pet shows any of these signs you must seek immediate medical attention
07/01/25 08:10
UK-based veterinarian Ben the Vet has revealed six situations in which you should always immediately seek treatment for your companion animal in a video on TikTok.
Interiors expert reveals what Meghan Markle's 'stark' home interiors - seen on new Netflix cookery show - say about Duchess
05/01/25 01:23
UK-based design expert Benji Lewis has described the setting of Meghan Markle's upcoming Netflix cooking show, following the release of the programme's trailer.
British animal rescuer in Thailand says life of emaciated dog he found chained up 'hangs in the balance' - but there's one positive sign she might survive
05/01/25 10:20
Niall Harbison, an Irish man living in Thailand has devoted his life to rescuing street dogs - and has recently shared the story of one of those pooches.
Chess Grand Master Magnus Carlsen weds in lavish Oslo ceremony - days after shock return to tournament after being booted out for wearing jeans
04/01/25 05:56
Chess Grand Master Magnus Carlsen has tied the knot with Ella Victoria Malone in an elegant ceremony in Norway.
- 80 comments
- 322 shares
Where is Tiggy Legge-Bourke now? Prince William and Harry's former nanny opened her own B&B in Wales and attended major royal event before her stepson Edward Pettifer's tragic death
04/01/25 03:41
Tiggy Legge-Bourke tragically lost her stepson Edward Pettifer in the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans. She was famously once the nanny of Prince William and Prince Harry.
- comments
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Looking forward to a better 2025? As a nightmare year for the Norwegian royals ends FEMAIL shares a round-up of some of the family's 2024 problems
04/01/25 10:47
From the future king of Norway's stepson facing rape allegations to a wedding that was described as a 'money spinner' by some, 2024 was rough for the Norwegian royals.
- 6 comments
- 14 shares
I'm a vet and here are 5 tips to stop your cats from killing the declining songbird population
30/12/24 07:49
British vet and TikToker Ben the Vet has revealed five things you can do to stop your outdoor cats from killing songbirds in a video on TikTok.
- 104 comments
- 9 shares
'Remarkable' Olivia Hussey who has died aged 73 faced rape, beatings, infidelity and cancer after shooting to fame at just 15 as Zeffirelli's Juliet
28/12/24 04:47
Olivia Hussey - who rose to fame starring in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film Romeo And Juliet - died at the age of 73 on Friday, December 27, after a successful but tumultuous life.
Royal fans compare Kate Middleton's 2013 Christmas walkabout to 2024 - as she dons the same hat for both
28/12/24 02:57
Royal watchers have been comparing Kate Middleton in 2013 and 2024, after spotting that she wore the same hat both years to attend the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.
Cheeky Brits spotted selling unwanted Christmas gifts online - with many asking for more money than the retail price
28/12/24 12:20
It's just days since Christmas, but people are already trying to sell their unwanted gifts online. And some sellers are even asking for more than the retail price.
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Prince George is the spitting image of a young Prince William as he dons similar outfit for Sandringham Church service
28/12/24 11:07
Eagle-eyed royal watchers have noted the likeness between Prince George and his father Prince William once more, after the Wales family attended church in Sandringham.
- 142 comments
- 69 shares
Revealed: The UK's top sexual fantasies - as a dark new fetish emerges
26/12/24 03:11
A new study has revealed that the UK's public's sexual tastes are changing quite significantly, with the little known fetish vorarephilia gaining significant interest.
- 375 comments
- 105 shares
I'm worried I've married a mummy's boy because my husband wants his mother to move into a 'granny annex' in our new home
25/12/24 07:55
An anonymous woman revealed on UK parenting forum Mumsnet that her husband wants his mother to move in with them - prompting one respondent to brand him a 'mummy's boy'.
- 633 comments
- 22 shares
Prince William reflects on 'hope and optimism' as he introduces his new documentary The Earthshot Report showcasing his environmental work
15/12/24 05:01
Prince William will introduce a new documentary, The Earthshot Report, which will premiere tonight on BBC One at 5pm.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium attends ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge
14/12/24 04:12
Queen Mathilde of Belgium was pictured attending a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge today in Luxembourg.
- 37 comments
- 29 shares
Nicky Haslam reveals what he finds common about the King's Speech on Christmas Day - so are you guilty of this?
14/12/24 02:13
Arbiter of all things posh, Nicky Haslam, has revealed some of the things he find common at Christmas in an interview with the Telegraph - and one of them is related to the King's Speech.
- 128 comments
- 17 shares
New short film reveals how a kiss almost killed a young woman
14/12/24 12:45
A new short film has been released inspired by the terrifying experience of Phoebe Campbell-Harris, who nearly died as a result of a teenage kiss at a Pari nightclub
- 19 comments
- 22 shares
Is new Gen Z trend 'sleepmaxxing' ruining your rest? Expert reveals how you may be ruining your shut-eye - and 5 tips that may help
14/12/24 08:51
In recent months, yet another Gen Z trend has hit TikTok - and this time, it's 'sleepmaxxing' - but obsessing over your sleep metrics can make your rest worse, according to a UK expert.
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I'm a vet and here are my top five picks of dog breeds for first time owners
13/12/24 12:56
Vet and content creator Amir Anwary, based in South Africa, has revealed his top five dogs breeds he believes are most suitable for people who are getting their first pooch.
- 177 comments
- 21 shares
Designer John Galliano who was fired from Dior after 2011 anti-semitic rant leaves Maison Margiela - hinting that 'all will be revealed' soon
12/12/24 12:58
John Galliano has revealed in an Instagram post that he is leaving Maison Margiela after 10 years at the label.
- 10 comments
- 16 shares
Lord Saatchi finds love again with late wife's friend Lynn Forester de Rothschild: Tory grandee, 78, reveals they connected after they were both widowed
12/12/24 10:33
Lord Saatchi was devastated when his wife Josephine Hart, a writer, died of cancer in 2011. Now, according to the Times, he is in a relationship with Lynn Forester de Rothschild.
- 22 comments
- 24 shares
Stanley Tucci fans unleash their angst after Hollywood actor posts innocent message on X
11/12/24 11:40
Popular TV chef Staney Tucci posted a message on X saying he hoped his followers are 'doing alright' - unleashing some damning responses.
- 76 comments
- 30 shares
Tyler Perry gives frosty answer when asked about lending Meghan Markle his LA mansion
09/12/24 12:34
Tyler Perry was curt when asked about lending his LA mansion to Meghan Markle in an interview with the Sunday Times.
- 2 comments
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Christmas market vendors accused of profiting from 'overpriced tat' you can buy on Amazon, Shein and Temu
09/12/24 07:48
UK cities are aglow with Christmas markets but some of the items being traded from cosy-looking chalets are selling for eye-watering prices - with similar buys available online for much less.
- 38 comments
- 15 shares
Rise of the plant smugglers: Craze for rare succulents fuels black market - with collectable cacti selling for hundreds
08/12/24 03:11
The demand for some rare plants and succulents is so high that there is an illegal trade in trafficking them, endangering some species, reports the Times.
- 17 comments
- 6 shares
Meghan Markle's billionaire friend Tyler Perry gives frosty answer when asked about lending Duchess of Sussex his LA home
08/12/24 12:21
US media mogul Tyler Perry appeared reluctant to speak about Meghan Markle in a recent interview with the Times.
Zara Tindall's festive glow-up! Royal fans say King's niece 'stole the show' with her glamorous burgundy trouser-suit at Kate Middleton's Christmas carol concert
08/12/24 10:19
Zara Tindall was praised by royal watchers after attending Kate Middleton's carol concert at Westminster Abbey, describing her look as 'fabulous'.
- 59 comments
- 32 shares
The signs you had are a narcissistic parent - from someone who has been diagnosed as one
08/12/24 07:57
UK-based content creator HG Tudor, who says they have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, has shared 10 signs you grew up with a narcissistic parent in a video on YouTube.
King Charles and Queen Camilla pose casually in the gardens of Buckingham Palace for their annual Christmas card - a stark contrast to last year's coronation snap
07/12/24 10:30
Buckingham Palace has released King Charles ' third Christmas card as monarch, featuring a photo of the royal with his wife Queen Camilla.
- 272 comments
- 178 shares
I'm a psychologist, here are five forms of gaslighting from withholding to trivialising
07/12/24 09:17
Birmingham-based expert Dr Lalitaa Suglani has revealed five forms of gaslighting in an Instagram post.
- 35 comments
- 61 shares
It's the marvellous Middletons! Kate's supportive mum Carole and very glamorous sister Pippa head into Kate's concert - alongside Lady Gabriella Windsor
06/12/24 05:12
The Princess of Wales ' mother, sister and brother gave their full support for the royal today as they joined her at Westminster Abbey for her Christmas carol concert.
Is this the secret to the perfect Christmas party? Psychologist reveals how balancing the right number of guests, mince pies and not too many drinks is the formula for festive fun
06/12/24 03:34
UK-based supermarket Co-op says it has created a simple formula for creating the perfect Christmas party this year.
- 9 comments
- 23 shares
As Apple Martin is accused of being a 'mean girl', experts reveal what could turn young women into Regina George
05/12/24 10:28
Apple Martin has been accused of being a 'mean girl' by some people following her recent appearance at a debutante ball in Paris over the weekend - but what exactly is a mean girl?

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