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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I opened UK's first totally legal SEX bookshop on posh high street full of families… surprising ‘genre' pulls punters in
London's first romance bookshop opened on June 18 and proved to be an instant hit PAGE TURNER I opened UK's first totally legal SEX bookshop on posh high street full of families… surprising 'genre' pulls punters in Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN who opened the UK's first legal sex book shop has revealed a surprising genre is pulling in customers. Sarah Maxwell opened her aptly named store Saucy Books in upmarket Notting Hill, west London. less than two weeks ago. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 17 Sarah Maxwell owns Saucy Books in Notting Hill, which comes with a Smut Hut for the books that would make many a reader blush Credit: Paul Edwards 17 The colourful interior is perfect for Instagrammers and TikTokkers Credit: Paul Edwards 17 On display is Icebreaker, a very steamy romance about ice skaters Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Saucy Books shop in Notting Hill is vibrant and eye-catching Credit: Paul Edwards With a pink mermaid logo and colourful exterior, you would think London's first romance bookshop would only attract women after a secret spicy read or profound love story. But the owner of the aptly named store in the heart of Notting Hill revealed that men also love to read romantasy books - which are also referred to as "fairy porn" due to the steamy content. The popularity of romantasy - a combination of fantasy and heated romance - has skyrocketed in recent years. Despite the colourful covers and blurbs, they are far from tame. The bonkbuster books are set in mythical kingdoms with warrior queens, dragons and "faerie" men with bat wings. But they also come with extremely detailed sex scenes that have led to the genre being dubbed "fairy porn". Last year, the book launch of Onyx Storm saw obsessed fans queue for hours in the middle of the night to get their mitts on the latest raunchy instalment about two dragon riders who trigger lighting strikes due to their energetic frolicking. And they are front and centre in Saucy Books' vibrant display. The bookshop opened on June 18 and proved to be an instant hit. THE SMUT HUT American owner Sarah Maxwell told The Sun they almost sold out of books on the very first day - and she's had to frantically re-order copies every day since. The books are arranged by trope, with blunt but informative labels such as "Age Gap", "Long Distance" and "Billionaire". But up a set of steps is the "Smut Hut" that booklovers flock there for. Inside lies the novels with the chapters. The vivid descriptions would cause many a reader to blush and look around to make sure no one is reading over their shoulder. On one of the shelves, there is a collection of bookmarks for sale that would be great tat for a hen-do, titled "c**kmarks". Sarah, who has a background in tech and has worked for big names like Spotify and Uber, said the opening has been a challenge, but a fun one. Everyone loves the Smut Hut and takes a photo in there Sarah Maxwell, owner of Saucy Books The striking blue shop is on the corner of a road filled with colourful bars, coffee shops and restaurants - and it's only a few streets away from the famous Portobello Road market. Saucy Books' site used to be a bathroom showroom, but you would never guess. Sarah tells us there is actually still a shower head hidden under the "Smut Hut". "We wanted to be sustainable so we built around what was already there. "We only moved in on June 1 and we opened on Wednesday, so we haven't had long to sort it out." She tells us that one superfan flew all the way from Malta to come visit the shop. "We've had an incredible response." There is a small stall outside that sells matcha, and on the day The Sun visited, they said they planned on serving Aperol spritz that evening. 17 Up a set of steps is the "Smut Hut" that booklovers flock there for Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Saucy Books is the first romantic book shop to open in London Credit: Paul Edwards 17 On one of the shelves, there is a collection of bookmarks for sale that would be great tat for a hen-do, titled "c**kmarks" Credit: Saucy Books NOTTING HILL IS THE ROMANCE CAPITAL Sarah, who has lived in London for 10 years, said she is an avid romance reader and is also a writer herself. But she struggled to find the authors she loved in normal bookshops - and that is when she got the idea. She told The Sun: "There are romance bookstores in the US but not in London, so that's where my American-ness comes in. "I get books with American covers and they have sold out so quickly." When asked why she picked Notting Hill for the location, she mentioned the famous movie that has become synonymous with the trendy area overrun with tourists. "Notting Hill is the most quintessentially romantic place in London. You have the Notting Hill movie, you have Bridget Jones. "It's such a good spot to have a corner shop by here. I'm going to do a book mural opposite." Sarah gets irritated when people compare her shop to the notorious Fifty Shades of Grey: "It's not just smut." But she continued: "Everyone loves the Smut Hut and takes a photo in there. 17 A suggestive bookmark in Saucy Books, Notting Hill Credit: Saucy Books 17 It's only a few streets away from the famous Portobello Road market Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Around the corner, in the iconic market made famous by the romantic Notting Hill movie Credit: Paul Edwards GEN Z MADE READING COOL AGAIN "A lot of romance readers and authors get discounted and put down, so this is a space where it's celebrated." Sarah said that reading has really seen a resurgence with Gen Z. "My intern said to me 'reading is cool again' and I was like, 'when was reading not cool?' "Some men come in and find the Smut Hut really funny. But a lot of men actually read it too. "They're big fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses [ACOTAR] and Throne of Glass especially. They love it. "Some of these books like those by Sarah J Maas are on par with Tolkien. But it's trivialised. "That's part of why I wanted to do this as a space to celebrate it. It's the first in London. I'm sure others will pop up but it's nice to be the first!" XXX NOTTING HILL TOURIST ROW BOXOUT? XXX When The Sun paid a visit to the shop on the first week of opening, it boasted a distinctive summery vibe. Sarah said that is by design - it's made to look like a beach hut, and the books inside match. But the shop is not just for the summer, and the aesthetic will be completely revamped each season. "Right now we're going a beach hut vibe for the summer, because that's where people like to go to read. "In Fall we'll do something different, more moody... we'll see. It'll change each season, with books to match it." When it's mentioned that this sounds like a lot of hard work and money, she laughed and said she loves a challenge. Before the shop was even open, passersby were peering in at the display. A pair of young women stopped in their tracks to look in, with a bored-looking man in tow. But he soon perked up and appeared engrossed in the display. 17 The books are arranged by trope, with informative labels such as "Age Gap", "Long Distance" and "Billionaire" Credit: Paul Edwards 17 The staff have painstakingly matched the decor to the content Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Quicksiver is another steamy book that is a hit on TikTok Credit: Paul Edwards MY FAMILY CALL ME AUNT SAUCY Sarah says the first three days have been a huge hit. "The beginning has been very good. People love that you can browse and sit down - and we have the Smut Hut! "We have all the tropes, Western, Italian, Jane Austen, romantasy. We very almost sold out of books on the very first day. I've had to reorder new ones every day, it's been a challenge. "We've had book influencers come and meet each other for the first time here, one woman flew from Malta for it. "We're open into the evenings because it's such a nice vibe on this street at 8." Although most shoppers so far have already been big romance readers, Sarah said many tourists have also popped in to buy a book. "We sold out of Jane Austen. We have Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass... a lot of Sarah J Maas which is very popular, "We also have Fourth Wing - all the romantasy!" But Sarah doesn't plan on stopping here. I know loads of people that would go. It's having a big thing right now Stall worker Tanyu, 26 "I want to open Saucy Books in other countries that don't have romance bookstores, like Greece and Portugal too. "Saucy is my family nickname. I'm Aunt Saucy. I kept referring to my project as that and it just stuck. "I like it because we're turning it away from the term "spicy" and making it into a double entendre." Around the corner, in the iconic market made famous by the romantic Notting Hill movie, 25-year-old tourist Katie said she loved the idea of a romance bookshop. She said: "I'm flying out today. But if I was here for longer I would go. I think it's a really good idea. I love it." 17 Gabriel Paine, who works in Daunt Books, said many bookshops in the area become tourist attractions Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Portobello market stall holder Taymu thinks Saucy Books is a great idea Credit: Paul Edwards YOU'D HAVE TO SELL A LOT OF BOOKS Stall worker Tanyu, 26, isn't a big reader but said she knows many people who would love to visit Saucy Books. "I know loads of people that would go. It's having a big thing right now. "If it's gone viral on TikTok then that's perfect. And you have Portobello Road and the market here so it's even better. "It's so expensive to lease here though, you'd have to sell a lot of books! But people do buy stuff just for the hell of it here." Gabriel Paine, who works at the famous Daunt Books shop nearby, said many bookshops in the area become tourist attractions. He used to work in the Marylebone shop, which is famous for the beautiful interior. I came here for the romantasy - like ACOTAR Charlotte, 27 "People came in just to take a photo and to buy a bag," he said. "It's so unfortunate that people aren't reading as much. "I'm not a romance reader so I don't think I would go. We do get a lot of people coming in asking where the romantasy books are but I wouldn't say they're the bulk of our customers. "But Daunt Books is more high-brow, we get a lot of old people coming in to buy classics. It's not really our clientele. "But I suppose it would be good for tourists, especially around here. It might catch on." And 27-year-old Londoner Charlotte, who popped in to Saucy Books after seeing it on her feed, it fills a big gap in the market. She said: "I read a lot of stuff, but I'm mainly a fantasy reader, so I came here for the romantasy - like ACOTAR. I love the idea of this place." 17 Tourist Katie, 25, said she would love to visit the bookshop Credit: Paul Edwards
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I opened UK's first totally legal SEX bookshop on posh high street full of families… surprising ‘genre' pulls punters in
A WOMAN who opened the UK's first legal sex book shop has revealed a surprising genre is pulling in customers. Sarah Maxwell opened her aptly named store Saucy Books in upmarket Notting Hill, west London. less than two weeks ago. 17 Sarah Maxwell owns Saucy Books in Notting Hill, which comes with a Smut Hut for the books that would make many a reader blush Credit: Paul Edwards 17 The colourful interior is perfect for Instagrammers and TikTokkers Credit: Paul Edwards 17 On display is Icebreaker, a very steamy romance about ice skaters Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Saucy Books shop in Notting Hill is vibrant and eye-catching Credit: Paul Edwards With a pink mermaid logo and colourful exterior, you would think London's first romance bookshop would only attract women after a secret spicy read or profound love story. But the owner of the aptly named store in the heart of The popularity of romantasy - a combination of fantasy and heated romance - has skyrocketed in recent years. Despite the colourful covers and blurbs, they are far from tame. The bonkbuster books are set in mythical kingdoms with warrior queens, dragons and "faerie" men with bat wings. But they also come with extremely detailed sex scenes that have led to the genre being dubbed "fairy porn". Last year, the book launch of Onyx Storm saw obsessed fans queue for hours in the middle of the night to get their mitts on the latest raunchy instalment about two dragon riders who trigger lighting strikes due to their energetic frolicking. And they are front and centre in Saucy Books' vibrant display. Most read in The Sun The bookshop opened on June 18 and proved to be an instant hit. THE SMUT HUT American owner Sarah Maxwell told The Sun they almost sold out of books on the very first day - and she's had to frantically re-order copies every day since. The books are arranged by trope, with blunt but informative labels such as "Age Gap", "Long Distance" and "Billionaire". But up a set of steps is the "Smut Hut" that booklovers flock there for. Inside lies the novels with the chapters. The vivid descriptions would cause many a reader to blush and look around to make sure no one is reading over their shoulder. On one of the shelves, there is a collection of bookmarks for sale that would be great tat for a hen-do, titled "c**kmarks". Sarah, who has a background in tech and has worked for big names like Spotify and Uber, said the opening has been a challenge, but a fun one. Everyone loves the Smut Hut and takes a photo in there Sarah Maxwell, owner of Saucy Books The striking blue shop is on the corner of a road filled with colourful bars, coffee shops and restaurants - and it's only a few streets away from the famous Portobello Road market. Saucy Books' site used to be a bathroom showroom, but you would never guess. Sarah tells us there is actually still a shower head hidden under the "Smut Hut". "We wanted to be sustainable so we built around what was already there. "We only moved in on June 1 and we opened on Wednesday, so we haven't had long to sort it out." She tells us that one superfan flew all the way from There is a small stall outside that sells 17 Up a set of steps is the "Smut Hut" that booklovers flock there for Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Saucy Books is the first romantic book shop to open in London Credit: Paul Edwards 17 On one of the shelves, there is a collection of bookmarks for sale that would be great tat for a hen-do, titled "c**kmarks" Credit: Saucy Books NOTTING HILL IS THE ROMANCE CAPITAL Sarah, who has lived in London for 10 years, said she is an avid romance reader and is also a writer herself. But she struggled to find the authors she loved in normal bookshops - and that is when she got the idea. She told The Sun: "There are "I get books with American covers and they have sold out so quickly." When asked why she picked Notting Hill for the location, she mentioned the famous movie that has become synonymous with the trendy area overrun with tourists. "Notting Hill is the most quintessentially romantic place in London. You have the "It's such a good spot to have a corner shop by here. I'm going to do a book mural opposite." Sarah gets irritated when people compare her shop to the notorious Fifty Shades of Grey: "It's not just smut." But she continued: "Everyone loves the Smut Hut and takes a photo in there. 17 A suggestive bookmark in Saucy Books, Notting Hill Credit: Saucy Books 17 It's only a few streets away from the famous Portobello Road market Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Around the corner, in the iconic market made famous by the romantic Notting Hill movie Credit: Paul Edwards GEN Z MADE READING COOL AGAIN "A lot of romance readers and authors get discounted and put down, so this is a space where it's celebrated." Sarah said that reading has really seen a resurgence with Gen Z. "My intern said to me 'reading is cool again' and I was like, 'when was reading not cool?' "Some men come in and find the Smut Hut really funny. But a lot of men actually read it too. "They're big fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses [ACOTAR] and Throne of Glass especially. They love it. "Some of these books like those by Sarah J Maas are on par with Tolkien. But it's trivialised. "That's part of why I wanted to do this as a space to celebrate it. It's the first in London. I'm sure others will pop up but it's nice to be the first!" XXX NOTTING HILL TOURIST ROW BOXOUT? XXX When The Sun paid a visit to the shop on the first week of opening, it boasted a distinctive summery vibe. Sarah said that is by design - it's made to look like a beach hut, and the books inside match. But the shop is not just for the summer, and the aesthetic will be completely revamped each season. "Right now we're going a beach hut vibe for the summer, because that's where people like to go to read. "In Fall we'll do something different, more moody... we'll see. It'll change each season, with books to match it." When it's mentioned that this sounds like a lot of hard work and money, she laughed and said she loves a challenge. Before the shop was even open, passersby were peering in at the display. A pair of young women stopped in their tracks to look in, with a bored-looking man in tow. But he soon perked up and appeared engrossed in the display. 17 The books are arranged by trope, with informative labels such as "Age Gap", "Long Distance" and "Billionaire" Credit: Paul Edwards 17 The staff have painstakingly matched the decor to the content Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Quicksiver is another steamy book that is a hit on TikTok Credit: Paul Edwards MY FAMILY CALL ME AUNT SAUCY Sarah says the first three days have been a huge hit. "The beginning has been very good. People love that you can browse and sit down - and we have the Smut Hut! "We have all the tropes, Western, Italian, Jane Austen, romantasy. We very almost sold out of books on the very first day. I've had to reorder new ones every day, it's been a challenge. "We've had book influencers come and meet each other for the first time here, one woman flew from Malta for it. "We're open into the evenings because it's such a nice vibe on this street at 8." Although most shoppers so far have already been big romance readers, Sarah said many tourists have also popped in to buy a book. "We sold out of Jane Austen. We have Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass... a lot of Sarah J Maas which is very popular, "We also have Fourth Wing - all the romantasy!" But Sarah doesn't plan on stopping here. I know loads of people that would go. It's having a big thing right now Stall worker Tanyu, 26 "I want to open Saucy Books in other countries that don't have romance bookstores, like Greece and Portugal too. "Saucy is my family nickname. I'm Aunt Saucy. I kept referring to my project as that and it just stuck. "I like it because we're turning it away from the term "spicy" and making it into a double entendre." Around the corner, in the iconic market made famous by the romantic Notting Hill movie, 25-year-old tourist Katie said she loved the idea of a romance bookshop. She said: "I'm flying out today. But if I was here for longer I would go. I think it's a really good idea. I love it." 17 Gabriel Paine, who works in Daunt Books, said many bookshops in the area become tourist attractions Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Portobello market stall holder Taymu thinks Saucy Books is a great idea Credit: Paul Edwards YOU'D HAVE TO SELL A LOT OF BOOKS Stall worker Tanyu, 26, isn't a big reader but said she knows many people who would love to visit Saucy Books. "I know loads of people that would go. It's having a big thing right now. "If it's gone viral on TikTok then that's perfect. And you have Portobello Road and the market here so it's even better. "It's so expensive to lease here though, you'd have to sell a lot of books! But people do buy stuff just for the hell of it here." Gabriel Paine, who works at the famous Daunt Books shop nearby, said many bookshops in the area become tourist attractions. He used to work in the Marylebone shop, which is famous for the beautiful interior. I came here for the romantasy - like ACOTAR Charlotte, 27 "People came in just to take a photo and to buy a bag," he said. "It's so unfortunate that people aren't reading as much. "I'm not a romance reader so I don't think I would go. We do get a lot of people coming in asking where the romantasy books are but I wouldn't say they're the bulk of our customers. "But Daunt Books is more high-brow, we get a lot of old people coming in to buy classics. It's not really our clientele. "But I suppose it would be good for tourists, especially around here. It might catch on." Read more on the Irish Sun And 27-year-old Londoner Charlotte, who popped in to Saucy Books after seeing it on her feed, it fills a big gap in the market. She said: "I read a lot of stuff, but I'm mainly a fantasy reader, so I came here for the romantasy - like ACOTAR. I love the idea of this place." 17 Tourist Katie, 25, said she would love to visit the bookshop Credit: Paul Edwards 17 Notting Hill is most famous for its market on Portobello Road Credit: Paul Edwards
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous ‘cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers
It comes after wellness warrior Belle Gibson was exposed as a fraud who lied about her battle with cancer WHAT THE TOK? Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous 'cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) INFLUENCERS are peddling animal dewormer and other dangerous alternative medicines as "cures" for deadly illnesses like cancer in a sick bid to gain followers. Experts have slammed the tips given out on social media as "scary" and dangerous, warning people not to blindly follow influencers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 TikTok has deleted many of the videos flagged by The Sun 10 Some influencers are peddling dog dewormer as a cancer cure 10 Experts have said such videos can be dangerous Many people have tried out the bizarre "hacks", such as the "migraine meal" of drinking coke and eating McDonald's chips that went viral recently. But some TikTokkers are claiming to fix serious and life-threatening illnesses with a quick and easy "magic potion" you can whip up at home. Videos seen by The Sun have influencers confidentially telling their followers that taking dewormer for dogs or horses - which is harmful to humans - gets rid of cancer. Others posted recipes for homemade herbal teas, such as soursop tea, saying that they drank it every day for two weeks and it cured various diseases. Many influencers promote supplements that contain the ancient Indian herb ashwagandha - also saying it helps cure anxiety and a poor sex drive. Hundreds of social media users flocked to the comments sections, begging for more information, with experts worried many people will take such advice as gospel. Cancer sufferers are even among the commenters asking for recipes and recommendations to fight their deadly disease. When The Sun contacted TikTok about the videos peddling alternative cancer cures, those that we flagged were removed. VIRAL DOESN'T MEAN VALID Michael Baah, who is a cancer rehab coach, said it is "scary" people are relying on TikTok and social media for health advice. He explained: "The health advice I see on TikTok lately is wild. One minute it's 'walk 10k steps,' the next it's 'eat pickles to cure cancer' or 'bite a lemon to stop anxiety.' "And the scary part? People are actually giving it a go. "I coach cancer rehab clients every week, and I always tell them, if you're considering any supplement or remedy, speak to your consultant first. "Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. "Some of these so-called cures like dog dewormer, fermented pickles, or herbal teas are dangerous when taken seriously. Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. Michael Baah, cancer rehab coach "Just because something is 'natural' doesn't mean it's harmless, and just because it went viral doesn't make it valid. "If anything, it shows how easy it is to spread false hope to vulnerable people." Often, the TikTok videos point to the online shop in the app where people can buy the supplements mentioned. This advice - mostly from people without any medical knowledge - could lead to patients turning away from vital treatment. 10 Mental health cures are also being peddled 10 tiktokers-cancer-cures-sipplied-via-1004321750 10 A post claiming horse dewormer can cure cancer 10 Some videos claim fruit is better than chemo Other herbs or supplements could also interfere with any ongoing cancer treatment. Cancer UK warns: "One of the biggest risks of seeking alternative therapy is postponing or declining evidence-based conventional treatment, which might otherwise prolong or even save a patient's life." Gen Z particularly vulnerable New research from City St George's, University of London, recently found that 81 per cent of cancer cures touted by content creators on TikTok are fake. It also found that Gen Z is particularly vulnerable to cancer misinformation, as TikTok is used as a search engine and is a key means of accessing health information for this demographic. TikTok told The Sun that the study had a small sample size and only represented a tiny percentage of the content on the app. It said it takes steps to counter misinformation - which is a problem across all social media, not just the video-based platform. If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. Michael Baah It's not just cancer cures being promoted online, but for a range of both physical and mental illnesses. Anxiety sufferers are told to eat an orange while in the shower. Influencers confidently tell those suffering from the mental illness to bite into a lemon or eat sour skittles or sour patch kids to shock their system out of a panic attack. Others said to eat ice, have a cold drink or an ice bath along a similar vein. Some even claimed that eating fermented pickles also helps. TikTok health advice: What to look out for Check credentials Do they have any relevant qualifications? Are they a certified trainer, registered dietitian, or licensed professional in their field? Real experts will usually highlight their credentials clearly, signposting where they qualified from Do your own research Verify the information they share -don't blindly follow their advice. Look for scientific evidence or expert opinions backing up their claims - there are many health studies online. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep and eye out for red flags Be wary if they are promoting extreme products, quick fixes, or other unrealistic hacks. Don't trust overly sensationalised or extreme claims. Are they signposting you to a shop online or a service? They could be benefiting financially from this. Michael added: "Things like eating ice or biting lemons are just sensory distractions. "They might offer a few seconds of relief, but they don't address the root of what someone's feeling. "If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. "As a professional, I think it's important we stick to what's proven: science-backed strategies, structured support, and good old-fashioned common sense. "That's what gets results. Not trending audio and a camera filter. It's spreading misinformation "The bigger issue is how polished and convincing these videos look. "It's easy to get sucked in. But behind the editing and engagement, there's usually no evidence, no credentials, and no real accountability. "So yes, enjoy your orange in the shower if it gives you a lift, but don't confuse that with a treatment plan. "Real health takes consistency, not gimmicks." Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, who specialises in anxiety, agreed. Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, anxiety specialist She told The Sun: "Some people may find regular cold exposure (ice baths or cold showers) are a helpful way to reduce anxiety, alongside input from a qualified health professional, as it can help to regulate the nervous system. "Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem, misleading people into thinking quick fixes are effective treatments. "This can delay seeking proper care and invalidate real struggles of people who live with anxiety every day. "Because these 'health' influencers often lack professional credentials, they can spread misinformation widely without accountability, and sometimes encourage risky or harmful behaviours." TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are flooded with self-proclaimed "wellness experts" confidently informing their followers of their "credentials". Research published in 2023 discovered that 84 per cent of mental health advice on TikTok is misleading, with 14 per cent of videos containing content that could be harmful. It has been found that "personal narratives are often prioritised over research-backed content". A TikTok spokesperson said: "TikTok is a place where people can share their personal medical treatment experiences and build supportive communities. "We proactively provide trusted health information in-app from the World Health Organisation, partner with independent fact-checkers to verify content, and rigorously enforce policies— to remove any content which breaches this policy." They said that their Community Guidelines ban health misinformation that may cause significant harm and they remove this content from the platform when they find it. Some professionals are beginning to adopt the influencer style of content online - further blurring the lines and making it confusing about who to trust. 10 A federal court ordered Belle Gibson to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid Credit: AP 10 Belle Gibson arrives at the Federal Court in Melbourne, Australia, June 20, 2019 Credit: AP APPLE CIDER VINEGAR One expert pointed to the case of Australian influencer Belle Gibson, who was the subject of Netflix documentary "Apple Cider Vinegar" last year. The wellness warrior pretended to have brain cancer, and falsely told her thousands of followers she had cured herself through alternative therapies and nutrition. She gained a huge following online in 2013 after blogging about her "battle with cancer". Gibson amassed 200,000 followers on Instagram when it was still a new social media platform - a large number back then. CANCER CON I was diagnosed with cancer at 19 and then was scammed by con artist Belle Gibson who said she could cure it By Leanne Hall Belle Gibson is the latest fraudster to have a TV show made on how she swindled people out of money by pretending healthy eating and green juices cured her brain cancer. However, it soon became clear that Belle's natural remedies didn't work and that she never even had cancer to begin with. Starting as a blogger in 2009, Belle claimed she was diagnosed with "malignant brain cancer" and given "six to eight months" to live. However, Belle said she had chosen to withdraw from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and instead embarked on "a quest to heal myself naturally… through nutrition, patience, determination and love". With 200,000 followers on Instagram at the time, many of whom were cancer patients, she conned them into thinking she had found a cure. And one of those was fellow Aussie Bella Johnston. At the age of 19, Bella was diagnosed with a paraganglioma, a rare endocrine tumour, in 2009 and was surrounded by older people in the hospital leaving her feeling isolated. So when she found Belle's social media and saw she was roughly the same age and battling cancer too, she was hooked. Bella saw that the influencer had claimed to manage the disease with diet, exercise and alternative medicine and as a result, Bella wanted to follow in her footsteps. But unbeknownst to Bella, the cancer survivor she looked up to was a con artist who had never had the disease. She then released "The Whole Pantry", a health and wellness app. The fraudster claimed doctors told her she only has "six weeks, four months tops" to live - drawing in thousands of sympathetic followers. From there, she also published a cookbook and raked in $400,000 Australian dollars, pledging to donate a share to charity. In 2015, Gibson was exposed by journalists as a fraudster who lied about her medical records and diagnosis. A federal court ordered her to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid. Her money-grabbing lies went on to inspire many documentaries. What's worse is that she is only one of a growing list of young, attractive and seemingly inspirational women who fake serious illnesses to make money. Sometimes the families themselves are in on the lie - as with the case of British teenager Megan Bhari. Not only were donors conned out of around £400,000, but they duped celebrities including Louis Tomlinson, Taylor Swift, even winning an award from Prime Minister David Cameron. Aged 15, her mother Jean told friends that her daughter - who already suffered from a disease causing a build-up of pressure on the brain - had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. They started a charity, Believe in Magic, a 'Make-a-Wish'-style organisation to bring hope to seriously ill children. Jean herself posted regular updates about her daughter's hospital visits - at one point even raising £120,000 in 48 hours for emergency treatment in the US, saying Megan's tumour had worsened. She even once claimed that Megan had severe sepsis and that doctors had given her only a 10 per cent chance of surviving the next week - but it was all a lie. An inquest later recorded she died of heart failure related to a fatty liver but there was no mention of a tumour on her medical records. The Charity Commission later launched an investigation into Believe in Magic before freezing its accounts following "multiple complaints." Her charity was dissolved after a probe found nearly £400,000 missing from its books. Police did investigate the complaints but said that there was insufficient evidence to take the matter any further. Do you know more? Email 10 The story of the world's most devious con-woman Belle Gibson and how her fraudulent business was finally uncovered was made into a Netflix series
The Irish Sun
21-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous ‘cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers
INFLUENCERS are peddling animal dewormer and other dangerous alternative medicines as "cures" for deadly illnesses like cancer in a sick bid to gain followers. Experts have slammed the tips given out on social media as "scary" and dangerous, warning people not to blindly follow influencers. Advertisement 10 TikTok has deleted many of the videos flagged by The Sun 10 Some influencers are peddling dog dewormer as a cancer cure 10 Experts have said such videos can be dangerous Many people have tried out the bizarre "hacks", such as the "migraine meal" of drinking coke and eating McDonald's chips that went viral recently. But some TikTokkers are claiming to fix serious and life-threatening illnesses with a quick and easy "magic potion" you can whip up at home. Videos seen by The Sun have influencers confidentially telling their followers that taking dewormer for dogs or horses - which is harmful to humans - gets rid of cancer. Others posted recipes for homemade herbal teas, such as soursop tea, saying that they drank it every day for two weeks and it cured various diseases. Advertisement Read more Many influencers promote supplements that contain the ancient Indian herb ashwagandha - also saying it helps cure anxiety and a poor sex drive. Hundreds of social media users flocked to the comments sections, begging for more information, with experts worried many people will take such advice as gospel. Cancer sufferers are even among the commenters asking for recipes and recommendations to fight their deadly disease. When The Sun contacted TikTok about the videos peddling alternative cancer cures, those that we flagged were removed. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Exclusive VIRAL DOESN'T MEAN VALID Michael Baah, who is a cancer rehab coach, said it is "scary" people are relying on TikTok and social media for health advice. He explained: "The health advice I see on TikTok lately is wild. One minute it's 'walk 10k steps,' the next it's 'eat pickles to cure cancer' or 'bite a lemon to stop anxiety.' "And the scary part? People are actually giving it a go. "I coach cancer rehab clients every week, and I always tell them, if you're considering any supplement or remedy, speak to your consultant first. Advertisement "Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. "Some of these so-called cures like dog dewormer, fermented pickles, or herbal teas are dangerous when taken seriously. Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. Michael Baah, cancer rehab coach "Just because something is 'natural' doesn't mean it's harmless, and just because it went viral doesn't make it valid. "If anything, it shows how easy it is to spread false hope to vulnerable people." Advertisement Often, the TikTok videos point to the online shop in the app where people can buy the supplements mentioned. This advice - mostly from people without any medical knowledge - could lead to patients turning away from vital treatment. 10 Mental health cures are also being peddled 10 tiktokers-cancer-cures-sipplied-via-1004321750 Advertisement 10 A post claiming horse dewormer can cure cancer 10 Some videos claim fruit is better than chemo Other herbs or supplements could also interfere with any ongoing cancer treatment. Cancer UK warns: "One of the biggest risks of seeking alternative therapy is postponing or declining evidence-based conventional treatment, which might otherwise prolong or even save a patient's life." Advertisement Gen Z particularly vulnerable New research from City St George's, University of London, recently found that 81 per cent of cancer cures touted by content creators on TikTok are fake. It also found that Gen Z is particularly vulnerable to cancer misinformation, as TikTok is used as a search engine and is a key means of accessing health information for this demographic. TikTok told The Sun that the study had a small sample size and only represented a tiny percentage of the content on the app. It said it takes steps to counter misinformation - which is a problem across all social media, not just the video-based platform. Advertisement If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. Michael Baah cancer rehab coach It's not just cancer cures being promoted online, but for a range of both physical and mental illnesses. Anxiety sufferers are told to eat an orange while in the shower. Influencers confidently tell those suffering from the mental illness to bite into a lemon or eat sour skittles or sour patch kids to shock their system out of a panic attack. Others said to eat ice, have a cold drink or an ice bath along a similar vein. Advertisement Some even claimed that eating fermented pickles also helps. TikTok health advice: What to look out for Check credentials Do they have any relevant qualifications? Are they a certified trainer, registered dietitian, or licensed professional in their field? Real experts will usually highlight their credentials clearly, signposting where they qualified from Do your own research Verify the information they share -don't blindly follow their advice. Look for scientific evidence or expert opinions backing up their claims - there are many health studies online. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep and eye out for red flags Be wary if they are promoting extreme products, quick fixes, or other unrealistic hacks. Don't trust overly sensationalised or extreme claims. Are they signposting you to a shop online or a service? They could be benefiting financially from this. Michael added: "Things like eating ice or biting lemons are just sensory distractions. "They might offer a few seconds of relief, but they don't address the root of what someone's feeling. "If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. Advertisement "As a professional, I think it's important we stick to what's proven: science-backed strategies, structured support, and good old-fashioned common sense. "That's what gets results. Not trending audio and a camera filter. It's spreading misinformation "The bigger issue is how polished and convincing these videos look. "It's easy to get sucked in. But behind the editing and engagement, there's usually no evidence, no credentials, and no real accountability. Advertisement "So yes, enjoy your orange in the shower if it gives you a lift, but don't confuse that with a treatment plan. "Real health takes consistency, not gimmicks." Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, who specialises in anxiety, agreed. Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, anxiety specialist She told The Sun: "Some people may find regular cold exposure (ice baths or cold showers) are a helpful way to reduce anxiety, alongside input from a qualified health professional, as it can help to regulate the nervous system. Advertisement "Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem, misleading people into thinking quick fixes are effective treatments. "This can delay seeking proper care and invalidate real struggles of people who live with anxiety every day. "Because these 'health' influencers often lack professional credentials, they can spread misinformation widely without accountability, and sometimes encourage risky or harmful behaviours." TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are flooded with self-proclaimed "wellness experts" confidently informing their followers of their "credentials". Advertisement Research published in 2023 discovered that 84 per cent of mental health advice on TikTok is misleading, with 14 per cent of videos containing content that could be harmful. It has been found that "personal narratives are often prioritised over research-backed content". A TikTok spokesperson said: "TikTok is a place where people can share their personal medical treatment experiences and build supportive communities. "We proactively provide trusted health information in-app from the World Health Organisation, partner with independent fact-checkers to verify content, and rigorously enforce policies— to remove any content which breaches this policy." Advertisement They said that their Community Guidelines ban health misinformation that may cause significant harm and they remove this content from the platform when they find it. Some professionals are beginning to adopt the influencer style of content online - further blurring the lines and making it confusing about who to trust. 10 A federal court ordered Belle Gibson to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid Credit: AP 10 Belle Gibson arrives at the Federal Court in Melbourne, Australia, June 20, 2019 Credit: AP Advertisement APPLE CIDER VINEGAR One expert pointed to the case of Australian influencer Belle Gibson, who was the subject of Netflix documentary "Apple Cider Vinegar" last year. The She gained a huge following online in 2013 after blogging about her Gibson amassed 200,000 followers on Instagram when it was still a new social media platform - a large number back then. Advertisement CANCER CON I was diagnosed with cancer at 19 and then was scammed by con artist Belle Gibson who said she could cure it By Leanne Hall Belle Gibson is the latest fraudster to have a TV show made on how she swindled people out of money by pretending healthy eating and green juices cured her brain cancer. However, it soon became clear that Belle's natural remedies didn't work and that she never even had cancer to begin with. Starting as a blogger in 2009, Belle claimed she was diagnosed with "malignant brain cancer" and given "six to eight months" to live. However, Belle said she had chosen to withdraw from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and instead embarked on "a quest to heal myself naturally… through nutrition, patience, determination and love". With 200,000 followers on Instagram at the time, many of whom were cancer patients, she conned them into thinking she had found a cure. And one of those was fellow Aussie Bella Johnston. At the age of 19, Bella was diagnosed with a paraganglioma, a rare endocrine tumour, in 2009 and was surrounded by older people in the hospital leaving her feeling isolated. So when she found Belle's social media and saw she was roughly the same age and battling cancer too, she was hooked. Bella saw that the influencer had claimed to manage the disease with diet, exercise and alternative medicine and as a result, Bella wanted to follow in her footsteps. But unbeknownst to Bella, the cancer survivor she looked up to was a con artist who had never had the disease. She then released "The Whole Pantry", a health and wellness app. The fraudster claimed doctors told her she only has "six weeks, four months tops" to live - drawing in thousands of From there, she also published a cookbook and raked in $400,000 Australian dollars, pledging to donate a share to charity. In 2015, Advertisement A federal court ordered her to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid. Her What's worse is that she is only one of a growing list of young, attractive and seemingly inspirational women who fake serious illnesses to make money . Sometimes the families themselves are in on the lie - as with the case of British teenager . Advertisement Not only were donors conned out of around £400,000, but they duped celebrities including Louis Tomlinson, Taylor Swift, even winning an award from Prime Minister David Cameron. Aged 15, her mother Jean told friends that her daughter - who already suffered from a disease causing a build-up of pressure on the brain - had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. They started a charity, , a 'Make-a-Wish'-style organisation to bring hope to seriously ill children. Jean herself posted regular updates about her daughter's hospital visits - at one point even raising £120,000 in 48 hours for emergency treatment in the US, saying Megan's tumour had worsened. Advertisement She even once claimed that Megan had severe sepsis and that doctors had given her only a 10 per cent chance of surviving the next week - but it was all a lie. An inquest later recorded she died of heart failure related to a fatty liver but there was no mention of a tumour on her medical records. The Charity Commission later launched an investigation into Believe in Magic before freezing its accounts following "multiple complaints." Her charity was dissolved after a probe found nearly £400,000 missing from its books. Advertisement Police did investigate the complaints but said that there was insufficient evidence to take the matter any further. Do you know more? Email 10 The story of the world's most devious con-woman Belle Gibson and how her fraudulent business was finally uncovered was made into a Netflix series WEB OF LIES I was pals with Apple Cider Vinegar's Belle Gibson but exposed her for the liar she was – her 'seizures' were a red flag By Emma Pryer WHEN Chanelle McAuliffe struck up a friendship with Belle Gibson in October 2014, she thought she'd found a kindred spirit. Despite Belle's, 32, supposed Little did Chanelle know, it was all a lie. Belle, who at the time was running Australia's most known wellness account by claiming she'd curated a natural healing lifestyle that cured her of deadly brain cancer, had never been diagnosed with the deadly illness. The incredible story of the world's most devious con-woman and how her fraudulent business was finally uncovered was made into a Netflix series called Apple Cider Vinegar , which hit the platform earlier this month. The Melbourne mum-of-one's Instagram account, The influencer honed in on the fear and bewilderment of her followers and friends - including Chanelle. Most of her followers were people genuinely battling terminal cancer, and she was fraudulently telling them to drink green juices and consume organic foods to cure themselves. Her mantra? Western medicine, such as chemotherapy, could not cure you. She kept up the facade of her supposed deadly illness by faking seizures, claiming her 'cancer' was spreading and telling people: "I'm going to die soon anyway." Initially, Chanelle believed it all. But just a few months into their friendship, after she'd watched Belle roll around on the floor having a 'seizure' before miraculously jumping to her feet and wiping saliva from her mouth, alarm bells started to chime.
New York Post
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Genius' lip liner hack guarantees a long-lasting look — but experts say it's iffy: ‘Get that off your face'
Beauty buffs are ditching lip liner for permanent marker in a jaw-dropping new TikTok trend that's got the internet doing a double-take. Makeup influencers across the globe are lining their lips with Sharpies — yes, the same ones you'd find in a school supply drawer — leaving viewers both mesmerized and mortified. The bizarre beauty hack started making the rounds this month, with TikTokkers swiping on the bold, inked-up look (rather than lip liner like the rest of us) and sparking a viral frenzy. Advertisement One gutsy glam gal, Rachel Carlisle (@rachelmadisoncarlisle), took to TikTok and casually traced her pout with a pink Sharpie from the brand's 'precious gemstones' collection — like it was just another drugstore lip liner. 'Sharpies are non-toxic — at least, this one is,' she said in the clip and added that her pout looked 'super, super pretty' afterwards. Advertisement Many users in her comments section agreed. 'It looks so good!!' one wrote beneath the video that showed Carlisle blending in the Sharpie marks and adding a similarly colored lip gloss over it to top it all off. Another added that the hack was 'honestly genius' as someone else commented, 'looks stunning on u babe.' Other detractors weighed in as one advised, 'Get that offf your face girl' and someone else urged, due to a Sharpie's permanent nature, 'just don't make a mistake.' Another TikTokter, Kaitlyn Curtis (@ gave the off-the-wall trick a whirl — claiming she reached for the Sharpie because she was considering getting her lips 'blushed.' Advertisement Her recent video shows Curtis coloring in her pout with the marker as a DIY test run for lip blushing — a semi-permanent tattooing procedure that adds a tinted flush using pigment and a cosmetic tattoo gun. Before going under the needle, Curtis wanted to see if the marker method could do the trick. Just like Carlisle, she smudged the marker like a lip liner, slicked on some gloss to seal the deal — and shockingly, she was 'actually impressed' with the results, according to her caption. Advertisement Others in the comments weren't as dazzled. 'Abbbbbbbsolutely naht. With a damn Sharpie?!?' one asked as another replied, 'I fear that is dangerous.' One other inquired, 'Is this rage bait?' as someone else wrote, 'omg. So bad.' 4 The wacky beauty hack blew up this month, with TikTokkers ditching lip liner and grabbing Sharpies instead — setting off a viral frenzy of inked-up pouts. @ lebaneseangel22, / TikTok 4 Makeup mavens around the world are lining their lips with Sharpies — yep, the same markers from your pencil case. @makeupwithlaetitia / TikTok Regarding the trend's popularity, one wrote, '@Sharpie this is like the 5th video I've seen of people using your markers as a lip liner…. I think this might be your moment to move on over to beauty.' So, is scribbling on your smoocher with a Sharpie actually safe? Skincare pros have some thoughts. Jamie Alan, PhD — a pharmacology and toxicology pro at Michigan State — told Well+Good the appeal is simple: Sharpies don't smudge and they stick around. Advertisement However, the expert warned that doctors 'have no idea' what happens when you regularly use Sharpie on your skin — and anything on your lips can easily end up in your mouth. 4 Docs say they 'have no idea' what repeated Sharpie use does to your skin — and remind beauty daredevils that what goes on your lips can end up in your mouth. azrisuratmin – 'We have no idea what can happen if you constantly ingest small amounts of this daily,' she explained. And don't be fooled by the 'non-toxic' label — Dr. Ife J. Rodney, a derm and founder of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, told the outlet that claim doesn't hold up when you're using a Sharpie as lip liner. Advertisement It's only 'non-toxic' when used 'correctly, like on paper, not on your skin,' the doctor said. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, head of Cosmetic & Clinical Research at Mount Sinai, told the publication a Sharpie probably won't kill you — but that doesn't mean it's a great idea. He stressed that the ink from Sharpie markers is 'generally considered to be safe if it comes in contact with the skin and relatively non-toxic if ingested.' Experts are pretty clear: stick to actual lip liner — not your office Sharpies — if you want a flawless pout. Advertisement 4 Experts say to leave the Sharpies at your desk and line your lips with real makeup if you want your pout to pop — safely. starush – Looking for a legit hack? As previously reported by The Post, celebrity makeup artist Kathie Janes Hughes revealed that the secret to a perfect line is using the lipstick bullet backward for 'more control.' She explained in a viral TikTok clip that the flat part of the applicator makes for a messier, 'cumbersome' swipe, while the backward method keeps things neat with 'reduced visibility.' Because when it comes to beauty hacks, it's better to draw the line — not with a Sharpie.
