Exclusive 🚨 I interviewed Sebastian Shemirani, who’s mum has grown a big online following by spreading harmful coronavirus conspiracy theories - like denying Covid-19 exists.
He fears for her impact on public health - and their relationship!
👉 bbc.co.uk/news/uk-546692…
He fears for her impact on public health - and their relationship!
👉 bbc.co.uk/news/uk-546692…
This will be across TV, radio and online today @BBCNews 📺 📻 📲
Have a listen to the @BBCtrending radio programme too👂
All expertly produced by Jonathan Griffin, brilliantly edited by Tobias Chapple and overseen by top Editor Mike Wendling.
bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3…
Have a listen to the @BBCtrending radio programme too👂
All expertly produced by Jonathan Griffin, brilliantly edited by Tobias Chapple and overseen by top Editor Mike Wendling.
bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3…
Sebastian is 21 into politics, travelling.
And his mum, Kate Shemirani has become notorious for spreading conspiracy theories during the pandemic.
He first heard about the online following she was gaining when his brother called him back in April!
And his mum, Kate Shemirani has become notorious for spreading conspiracy theories during the pandemic.
He first heard about the online following she was gaining when his brother called him back in April!
His mum has become a headliner at anti lockdown rallies - and promoted baseless conspiracy theories about 5G, vaccines and the pandemic.
False claims like these have been linked to real world harm - and are totally different to legitimate concerns about restrictions!
False claims like these have been linked to real world harm - and are totally different to legitimate concerns about restrictions!
Sebastian’s concerns are not just about the impact his mum could have on reasoned debate and public health, encouraging followers to ignore health guidance.
He was also shocked to see far right people in her crowds.
He was also shocked to see far right people in her crowds.
This is something Sebastian says he has been experiencing for some time.
As a child, he says he was frequently exposed to conspiracy theories that frightened him.
As a child, he says he was frequently exposed to conspiracy theories that frightened him.
Sebastian left home at 17 and says he and his mum are only in touch via text.
“She came to see me as part of the global plot,” He tells me.
“She came to see me as part of the global plot,” He tells me.
“(When) everything she said is forgotten and the global genocide hasn't happened, people forget about it.
But you know the disaster that goes on within my family and the relationships that she's losing now. That stuff stays forever,” Sebastian tells me.
But you know the disaster that goes on within my family and the relationships that she's losing now. That stuff stays forever,” Sebastian tells me.
The BBC put Sebastian’s claims to Kate Shemirani. She did not directly respond to what her son said.
She did tell us this👇
She did tell us this👇
I have had lots of messages from those whose family members and loved ones are beginning to be taken in by dangerous conspiracy theories - like those promoted by Sebastian's mum.
Here are some tips for how to talk to them about it!
Here are some tips for how to talk to them about it!
https://twitter.com/mariannaspring/status/1320740712468647938?s=20
You can hear more about this on radio @bbc5live @BBCRadio4 and across TV @BBCNews today!
https://twitter.com/mariannaspring/status/1320698604529586182?s=20
Have a watch of the TV report from today if you missed it!
https://twitter.com/mariannaspring/status/1320796751671025671?s=20
More about this exclusive interview on @bbc5live where I spoke to @annaefoster - plus on PM @BBCRadio4 where I spoke to @EvanHD (Listen back just after 1735!) 📻
https://twitter.com/bbc5live/status/1320800941482848263?s=20
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