NEED TO KNOW
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The children of U.K. conspiracy theorist Kate Shemirani are holding her responsible for their sister’s death, attributing it to her anti-science beliefs.
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Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani shared with the BBC’s Panorama that their sister Paloma passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma after denying chemotherapy, a choice they believe stemmed from their mother’s influence.
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In response to the Panorama broadcast, Kate claimed Paloma’s death was part of a cover-up and stated on social media, “Let them all fall on their swords. My silence has been for a reason, our silence as her parents has been for a reason.”
The sons of notable conspiracy theorist and anti-vaxxer Kate Shemirani have accused her of contributing to the death of their sister Paloma, who died in 2024 after refusing chemotherapy for cancer.
In a June 23 interview with BBC, Gabriel and Sebastian recalled their upbringing in Uckfield, where their mother believed in various conspiracy theories, including the idea that the September 11 attacks were orchestrated and the Sandy Hook shooting was staged.
Kate’s experience with breast cancer in 2012 seemed to strengthen her anti-science stance. While she underwent surgery, she attributed her recovery to alternative treatments like juices and coffee enemas.
Even though Gabriel and Sebastian lost touch with their mother following their parents’ divorce, Paloma — who was Gabriel’s twin — continued to interact with Kate. As Sebastian noted, “Paloma’s strategy was to appease, to be sweet, to try and win the love that she hadn’t been granted earlier.”
Paloma was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in late 2023. Doctors gave her an encouraging prognosis with an 80% survival rate if she underwent chemotherapy; without it, her situation was dire.
However, after a hospital visit from Kate, Paloma opted against chemotherapy, choosing instead Gerson therapy—a method involving juices and supplements, but which lacks approval as a cancer treatment according to the National Cancer Institute. There’s no evidence suggesting it’s effective.
As Paloma’s condition worsened, she was placed on life support in July 2024, ultimately passing away at 23 years old.
Following her daughter’s death, Kate asserted on social media that Paloma had been murdered and accused the medical field of dishonesty, calling it a “homicide service” and describing the entire situation as a “massive manslaughter case.”
Sebastian placed the blame for his sister’s death firmly on their mother, expressing to the BBC, “My sister has passed away as a direct consequence of my mum’s actions and beliefs. And I don’t want anyone else to go through the same pain or loss that I have.”
The BBC has reached out to Kate for comments.
An inquest into Paloma’s death is slated for next month.
In response to a claim on social media that the BBC distorted their account of Paloma’s death, Kate wrote, “Let them all fall on their swords. My silence has been for a reason; our silence as her parents has been for a reason. The documents do not lie, and when we’re ready, we will show the world because it affects everyone what is being done.”
