Tragic Death Sparks Call for Action Against Medical Misinformation Fueled by Conspiracy Theories
June 23, 2025
The tragic death of 23-year-old Paloma Shemirani has been attributed by her brothers, Gabriel and Sebastian, to their mother Kate's conspiracy theories regarding medicine and treatment.
Gabriel and Sebastian believe that their mother's anti-medical views directly influenced Paloma's decision to refuse life-saving treatment, ultimately leading to her death in 2024.
They assert that Kate's promotion of anti-medicine beliefs has gained traction during the pandemic, further complicating Paloma's health decisions.
Paloma was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023 and was informed that chemotherapy offered an 80% chance of recovery, a treatment she declined in favor of alternative therapies endorsed by her mother.
Kate Shemirani's advocacy for unproven alternative therapies, such as Gerson therapy, significantly contributed to Paloma's refusal of conventional medical treatment.
Kate, a former nurse, gained notoriety during the COVID-19 pandemic for spreading anti-medicine misinformation and was subsequently struck off for her actions.
Medical professionals warn that the rise of conspiracy theorists like Kate poses a serious risk to public health by disseminating harmful misinformation about cancer treatments.
The ongoing struggle against medical misinformation on social media platforms highlights the potential dangers for vulnerable individuals seeking health information.
Gabriel and Sebastian express deep regret over their inability to intervene in their sister's treatment choices, which they believe were heavily swayed by their mother's beliefs.
An inquest into Paloma's death is scheduled for next month to investigate the circumstances surrounding her passing, raising concerns about parental influence on health decisions.
Paloma's family is left to grapple with their grief and the implications of unchecked medical conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need for stronger action against misinformation.
The brothers are calling for more robust measures to combat misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok and X, which they believe contribute to the spread of harmful health-related content.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

BBC News • Jun 23, 2025
Our sister died because of our mum's cancer conspiracy theories, say brothers
BBC News • Jun 23, 2025
Our sister died because of our mum's cancer conspiracy theories, say brothers