The live streaming community has been shaken by the tragic death of French streamer Jean Pormanove, who died during a marathon broadcast after months of disturbing on-air abuse. The 46 year old creator, whose real name was Raphaël Graven, collapsed on August 18 during a Kick livestream that had lasted nearly 300 hours.
In his final streams, viewers watched as he endured humiliation, physical assaults, and dangerous stunts encouraged by fellow streamers and audience interaction. Footage shows episodes of sleep deprivation, forced consumption of harmful substances, and even physical attacks that raised alarm among viewers. When Pormanove failed to respond during the broadcast, one of the participants attempted to revive him, but he showed no signs of life.
French authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Prosecutors in Nice confirmed an autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause. Meanwhile, France’s digital affairs minister condemned the incident as an “absolute horror” and called for stronger oversight of livestreaming platforms.
Kick, the streaming platform where the broadcast took place, has banned the accounts of those involved and promised a review of its moderation systems. Critics, however, argue that lax platform policies allowed the abuse to escalate unchecked. International reactions have poured in, with some prominent streamers and public figures pledging support for Pormanove’s family and calling for reforms to protect creators.
The tragedy has ignited a wider debate about online abuse, audience complicity, and the ethical responsibilities of streaming platforms. It highlights how entertainment pushed to extremes can blur the line between performance and real harm, leaving both participants and viewers grappling with the consequences.
As investigations continue, the case of Jean Pormanove stands as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked online content and the urgent need for accountability in the digital age.