French Authorities Investigate Death of Streamer Jean Pormanove Amid Abuse Concerns
French streamer Jean Pormanove, known for extreme online challenges, died during a live broadcast, prompting an investigation into potential abuse and platform responsibility.
French authorities are investigating the death of 46-year-old streamer Raphaël Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, who died during a live broadcast on the platform Kick. Graven was found unresponsive on Monday in a residence near Nice, following a 10-day livestream in which he reportedly endured violence and humiliation.
Clara Chappaz, France's digital affairs minister, described the incident as an "absolute horror," stating that Graven had been "humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform." She emphasized that online platforms are legally responsible for preventing the dissemination of illicit content.
The Nice prosecutor's office has launched an investigation to determine the cause of death and has ordered an autopsy. This inquiry follows an earlier probe initiated in December 2024 into alleged deliberate violence against vulnerable individuals in online videos.
Kick, the streaming platform used by Graven, expressed condolences and stated it is "urgently reviewing" the circumstances surrounding his death. The platform, known for its looser moderation policies compared to competitors, has faced criticism over its content oversight.
Graven had amassed over a million followers across various social media platforms, gaining popularity for his extreme online challenges. His death has sparked a broader discussion on the responsibilities of online platforms in regulating content and protecting users from harmful material.