Brother of Paloma Shemirani Warns More Deaths Likely Due to Disinformation Crisis

The brother of a former British public relations executive who died by suicide after being targeted by online harassers has warned more people will die as a result of what he described as the “wild west” of disinformation.

Paloma Shemirani, 44, took her own life on June 11 following months of harassment stemming from conspiracy theories falsely claiming she was involved in child trafficking and a nefarious global elite. The harassment campaign targeted Shemirani after she attended a charity event in September last year with notable figures, including musicians and politicians.

Speaking to media outlets, Alexander Shemirani expressed his devastation at his sister’s death and called for urgent action against online disinformation. “More people will die. This is just the beginning,” he said, describing the current online landscape as a “wild west” where harmful conspiracy theories can spread unchecked.

The harassment campaign against Paloma Shemirani intensified after conspiracy theorists discovered she had connections to various high-profile individuals through her PR work. What began as typical professional networking was reframed by online trolls as evidence of involvement in sinister activities, despite no factual basis for these claims.

Alexander revealed that his sister had been subjected to death threats and relentless online abuse. The harassment extended beyond social media, with individuals reportedly showing up at her home. “They called her a child trafficker, which is the most awful thing you can say about someone,” he explained, noting that the false allegations particularly wounded Paloma, who had dedicated herself to charity work supporting vulnerable children.

The tragedy highlights growing concerns about the real-world consequences of online conspiracy theories and targeted harassment campaigns. Digital safety experts have pointed to Shemirani’s death as a stark example of how online disinformation can lead to devastating outcomes when it crosses from virtual spaces into real life.

UK lawmakers have renewed calls for stronger regulations on social media platforms in the wake of Shemirani’s death. The Online Safety Act, passed last year, aims to address harmful content online, but critics argue that implementation has been slow and enforcement mechanisms remain inadequate to address the rapidly evolving nature of online harassment.

“The platforms need to take more responsibility,” said Dr. Claire Wardle, a disinformation researcher at the University of Cambridge. “We’re seeing increasingly sophisticated campaigns that target individuals, and the psychological impact of being at the center of these harassment storms can be immense.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they had been investigating reports of harassment made by Shemirani before her death. Questions remain about whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy, with her family suggesting authorities did not take the threats seriously enough.

Friends described Paloma as a vibrant, kind person who built a successful career in public relations after studying at the London School of Economics. “She was brilliant at connecting people and genuinely cared about making a positive difference,” said a former colleague who requested anonymity.

Mental health advocates have pointed out that the psychological toll of sustained online harassment is often underestimated. Studies indicate that victims of digital harassment frequently experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with some cases leading to suicidal ideation.

The Shemirani family is now calling for a comprehensive review of how authorities respond to online harassment cases and for social media platforms to implement more effective measures to combat conspiracy theories and targeted abuse.

“Paloma’s death was preventable,” Alexander stated. “We need to create systems that protect people before they reach breaking point. No one should have to endure what my sister went through.”

As investigations continue, digital rights groups have emphasized that Shemirani’s case represents a troubling intersection of conspiracy culture, social media algorithms that amplify extreme content, and inadequate safeguards for those targeted by online mobs.

A funeral service for Paloma Shemirani was held last week, attended by family, friends, and colleagues who celebrated her life and professional achievements while mourning her tragic and untimely death.