French prosecutors are investigating the death of Raphael Graven, an online streamer known as Jean Pormanove, who died during a 10-day livestream in which he was allegedly subjected to violence and sleep deprivation. Graven was found dead at his home in Contes, Alpes-Maritimes, on Monday.
Graven had built a following by broadcasting livestreams where he was mistreated by others. French media reported that he had been streaming for over a week, performing extreme challenges in front of thousands of followers. The stream, hosted on the Kick platform, ended abruptly when attempts were made to wake him.
Prosecutors in Nice have opened an investigation, with an autopsy scheduled. Local police had been probing alleged “deliberate violent acts” against “vulnerable people” published online over the past eight months, following a report by French outlet Mediapart.
Fellow streamer Naruto announced Graven’s death on Instagram, writing: “Sadly, last night, JP left us. My brother, my sidekick, my partner... I love you, my brother, and we will miss you terribly.”
Clara Chappaz, France’s minister delegate for AI and digital affairs, said Graven was “humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform” and stressed that platforms are legally responsible for illegal content. A Kick spokesperson expressed condolences and said the platform was “urgently reviewing the circumstances”.
