The Tragic Cost of Conspiracy: A Family's Loss to Misinformation

Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani allege that their mother Kate's conspiracy theories led to their sister Paloma refusing life-saving cancer treatment, contributing to her death at 23. As misinformation gains traction, the brothers advocate for stronger measures against medical disinformation, sharing their story as a cautionary tale.

In a heartbreaking account that highlights the dangers of misinformation, Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani are speaking out after the tragic death of their sister, Paloma, who succumbed to cancer at just 23 years of age. The brothers assert that their mother, Kate Shemirani, whose anti-medicine conspiracy theories made her a controversial figure during the pandemic, is at least partially responsible for Paloma's decision to forgo chemotherapy—even when doctors indicated an 80% survival rate upon treatment.

Kate Shemirani, a former nurse who gained notoriety for promoting false claims about Covid-19, has not directly responded to these allegations but has publicly suggested that the National Health Service is to blame for her daughter’s death. In a joint statement with her ex-husband, she claims that “Paloma died as a result of medical interventions given without confirmed diagnosis or lawful consent,” although the BBC has not found evidence to substantiate their assertions.

Sebastian Shemirani stated, “My sister has passed away as a direct consequence of my mum's actions and beliefs,” voicing his desire to prevent further tragedies linked to such misinformation. The brothers believe that social media platforms need to take a stronger stance against medical misinformation to protect vulnerable individuals like Paloma, who initially pursued a degree at Cambridge.

Paloma's exposure to conspiracy theories began in childhood, influenced first by their father and later by Kate's increasing anti-establishment views, particularly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Believing in alternative treatments, Kate's influence extended to Paloma, who later developed her own views that increasingly diverged from evidence-based medicine.

After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023, Paloma faced a critical decision: accept chemotherapy or pursue alternative therapies like Gerson therapy, which lacks scientific backing. Influenced by her mother, Paloma declined chemotherapy despite the doctors' prognosis, a decision her family believes stemmed from Kate's conspiratorial mindset.

Even when medical staff expressed concerns regarding Kate's influence on Paloma, they ultimately deemed her capable of making an informed choice. Tragically, Paloma later deteriorated under Gerson therapy and, in March 2024, passed away from complications related to her cancer.

The brothers’ attempt to intervene legally was too late, ending without resolution as Paloma's health declined rapidly. Now dealing with unimaginable grief, Gabriel and Sebastian want to raise awareness of the dangers posed by conspiracy theories around health care, hoping to spare other families from similar heartache.

As they navigate their loss, they remain vocal about the urgent need for accountability in combating misinformation, warning that presentations of fringe beliefs can lead vulnerable individuals to make life-altering, and potentially fatal, decisions. An inquest into Paloma’s death is scheduled for next month, where further details may emerge about the circumstances leading up to this tragic loss.