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Tragic Livestream Death Sparks International Outrage
A 46-year-old French streamer known as Jean Pormanove has died during a livestream on the Kick platform after enduring hours of brutal torture and humiliation. The incident, which occurred in Contes near Nice, has prompted a major investigation by French authorities and raised serious questions about content moderation on streaming platforms.
Months of Systematic Abuse
Raphaël Graven, who operated under the pseudonym Jean Pormanove, had amassed over one million followers across various platforms. For months, he participated in violent "humor" videos where he was subjected to physical abuse, including being struck in the head, choked, spat on, and having liquids poured over him. These acts were presented as entertainment to viewers who could pay to request specific actions during streams.
The Final Broadcast
The fatal incident occurred during a 12-day continuous livestream where viewers reportedly paid for increasingly violent acts. According to witnesses, the stream went black when the other participants realized Graven had died. French authorities have seized all computer and video equipment from the residence and are conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Platform Under Scrutiny
Kick, the streaming platform where the incident occurred, has faced criticism for its lax content moderation policies compared to competitors like Twitch. The platform is known for allowing more controversial content and offering streamers a higher revenue share—keeping only 5% of subscription fees compared to Twitch's significantly higher cut.
Government Response
French Digital Minister Clara Chappaz described the events as "absolute horror" and has referred the matter to audiovisual regulator ARCOM. The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulation of live streaming platforms and better protection for content creators.
Ongoing Investigation
The Nice public prosecutor's office has opened a judicial investigation to determine whether Graven participated voluntarily or under duress. Evidence suggests he may have been coerced, with older videos showing discussions about his potential death during streams.
Broader Implications
This tragedy highlights the dangerous intersection of entertainment, monetization, and lack of oversight in the live streaming industry. As platforms compete for creators with better financial terms, questions about ethical responsibility and content moderation become increasingly urgent.
