For most of his life, Clive Rothwell stayed far away from media attention. He worked as an Australian IT consultant, living a low-key life in Melbourne. But in the mid-2010s, his name became connected to one of the most infamous health and wellness scandals in recent history: the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, the wellness blogger who falsely claimed she had cancer and built a lucrative brand on that lie.
Although Rothwell was never accused of lying or committing fraud, his closeness to Gibson during the height of her fame and after her public unraveling has kept his name in headlines. This is the story of the man who stood in the background of a very public downfall, and how his silence has made him even more intriguing.
Early Life and Career
There is little verified public information about Clive Rothwell’s early life. What is known is that he built a career in technology, focusing on IT consulting. This background positioned him to assist others with the technical side of business projects, including website and domain registration skills that would later connect him to Belle Gibson’s venture.
His life seemed to be that of an ordinary professional until the moment his path crossed with Gibson’s. That meeting would quietly change the course of his public profile forever.
Enter Belle Gibson and The Whole Pantry
Belle Gibson became famous in the early 2010s for her wellness app and cookbook, The Whole Pantry. She claimed that she had been diagnosed with brain cancer and had healed herself through natural remedies and healthy eating. The narrative was compelling, the branding sleek, and the sales remarkable.
Behind the scenes, Clive Rothwell played a role in launching Gibson’s brand. Records show that in 2013, he registered the domain for The Whole Pantry. He also reportedly assisted in the technical setup for the app, which would go on to become a bestseller and gain the attention of Apple and Penguin Books.
While his work seemed limited to technical and logistical help, the association was significant. The Whole Pantry’s marketing was built on Gibson’s personal story. A story that would later be proven false.
The Scandal Breaks
In 2015, investigative journalists revealed that Gibson had never been diagnosed with cancer. This revelation destroyed her credibility overnight and prompted legal action. Authorities later found that much of the money she claimed to donate to charities was never given.
Throughout this media storm, Clive Rothwell kept an exceptionally low profile. He did not give interviews, did not issue statements, and did not comment on Gibson’s behavior. This silence left the public guessing about his role and opinions.
Despite the scandal, Gibson continued to live with Rothwell for years afterward. In interviews, she described him as supportive, saying he was “obviously devastated” by the truth but stayed by her side. This loyalty, however, came with a financial cost.
Financial Support and Personal Involvement
Court documents and media reports have shown that Clive Rothwell covered significant expenses for Gibson during and after the scandal. He reportedly paid their rent, which was estimated at around $600 per week, as well as her legal fees. He also funded a trip for Gibson and her son to Africa, which cost approximately $5,000, and gave her extra spending money during their travels.
At one point, a debt of $90,000 between the two surfaced in legal proceedings. The exact nature of this debt remains unclear, and Gibson declined to explain it when questioned in court. The fact that Rothwell provided such financial support after the scandal broke suggests a level of loyalty or commitment that went beyond a casual friendship.
Relationship Status: Partner or Friend?
One of the ongoing mysteries about Clive Rothwell is the nature of his relationship with Belle Gibson. Gibson has at times referred to him as a friend and housemate, denying a romantic connection. However, others, including close acquaintances, have described him as her partner.
This ambiguity may be deliberate. Keeping the exact nature of their relationship undefined could have been an attempt to protect privacy during a highly publicized period. On the other hand, it could reflect the complexity of their bond. The bond that one built on both personal and professional ties.
Life After Belle Gibson
By 2019, Gibson and Rothwell were still living together in Northcote, Victoria, despite the years of negative press. This suggested a continued closeness, even if their relationship was not romantic. However, reports from late 2023 indicated that Rothwell had been seen with another woman, leading to speculation that the two had finally separated.
Today, Rothwell is believed to still live in Australia, likely in or near Melbourne. He has managed to avoid the kind of constant public intrusion that often follows people linked to scandals. This is partly due to his refusal to participate in media coverage and his absence from social media platforms.
Silence as a Strategy
What makes Clive Rothwell so fascinating is not what he has said, but what he has not said. In a world where many rush to defend themselves or control the narrative, Rothwell has chosen complete silence.
This silence has benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, it has protected his personal life and allowed him to move on without feeding the media cycle. On the other hand, it has left the door open for speculation, with people projecting their theories onto his role in the Gibson saga.
From a reputational perspective, Rothwell’s approach shows that sometimes the best public relations move is no move at all, especially if you are not the central figure in a controversy.
Lessons from the Rothwell Story
The story of Clive Rothwell offers a few clear lessons. Loyalty, while admirable, can come with real costs, financial, emotional, and reputational. Supporting someone through a crisis can be an act of kindness. However, it can also mean being tied to their mistakes in the public eye.
His role in The Whole Pantry’s creation shows that even seemingly small contributions to a project can have lasting consequences if that project becomes controversial. And his ability to maintain privacy in a digital era underscores that it is still possible to keep a low profile, even when the media spotlight is close by.
Where He Stands Now
As of 2025, Clive Rothwell remains a private figure. He has not given public interviews, written any statements, or sought to explain his side of the story. He appears to be focusing on his own life away from the chaos that once surrounded him.
While his connection to Belle Gibson will likely remain a permanent part of his public identity, Rothwell has shown that it is possible to step back and let time create distance. His case is unusual in that many people in similar positions become more public, whether by choice or by force. Rothwell, by contrast, seems determined to fade into the background.
Final Thoughts
Clive Rothwell is not the villain of the Belle Gibson scandal. He did not tell lies about cancer or pocket charity donations. But he was there from the early days of The Whole Pantry, through the scandal, and long after the cameras turned away.
He is a reminder that in significant public controversies, there are often figures who live in the gray areas. They are neither heroes nor villains, but people whose proximity to events makes them part of the story. In Rothwell’s case, his decision to remain silent has only deepened the intrigue, making him a lasting footnote in one of Australia’s most notorious frauds.
Read More: Jacob Scipio Rising Hollywood Star and Versatile Actor
