Paloma Shemirani, a 23-year-old from East Sussex, UK, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023, a cancer that has a high survival rate with chemotherapy. Tragically, she passed away just seven months later. Her siblings believe their mother, Kate Shemirani, influenced Paloma’s choice to pursue alternative treatments rather than conventional medicine.
Kate Shemirani, a former NHS nurse removed from the register in 2021 for spreading COVID-19 misinformation, became known for promoting conspiracy theories, including claims that chemotherapy was dangerous and that the pandemic was a hoax.
An inquest into Paloma’s death revealed that during a heart attack at her mother’s house in July 2024, Kate repeatedly interrupted paramedics trying to save Paloma. The responding paramedic, Robin Bass, said Kate often challenged their care, denying Paloma’s cancer diagnosis and insisting that Paloma was choking on food.
Paramedics had to be firm and request quiet to provide treatment, according to testimonies. It also emerged that Kate initially called a friend instead of emergency services when Paloma collapsed, potentially delaying urgent care.
Paloma, a Cambridge University graduate, had denied her cancer diagnosis, calling it “absurd fantasy” with no proof. She refused chemotherapy and instead opted for alternative therapies like plant-based diets, juices, and supplements, which lack scientific support.
Her brother Gabriel blamed their mother’s conspiracy beliefs for influencing Paloma’s treatment decisions. The family’s childhood was marked by exposure to many such theories, including those about the Royal Family and major tragedies.
Kate Shemirani disputes any responsibility, accusing the NHS and doctors of malpractice and unauthorized treatments. The inquest is ongoing as the community grapples with this tragic loss and the wider impact of misinformation on health decisions.
