The demise of a French content creator, who passed away during an extensive live stream on Kick, allegedly subjected to mistreatment and degradation for viewer entertainment, has caused widespread outrage and prompted an official investigation.
Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, died in the vicinity of Nice at the age of 46 while participating in a live streaming session on the Kick platform that had been ongoing for over 298 hours. Reports from French media indicate that the live stream was abruptly halted when Graven’s fellow streamers discovered him unconscious on a bed.
The prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, stated that the autopsy results revealed that the death was not due to physical trauma or external intervention. However, further medical examinations and toxicology tests have been ordered to ascertain additional details.
Graven, also recognized by the alias Pormanove, was a prominent content creator with a substantial following on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Kick. While initially focusing on gaming content, he transitioned to Kick where viewers witnessed him enduring humiliation and violence.
Videos from the Kick platform depicted Graven in distressing situations, including being restrained and appearing in pain. Following his passing, clips and images emerged showing him being physically assaulted, insulted, and subjected to degrading acts.
An investigation by French publication Mediapart in December previously exposed the mistreatment of Graven and another streamer with a disability by their co-streamers. The report highlighted how viewers encouraged the abuse with derogatory remarks.
Graven’s death occurred amid an ongoing judicial inquiry into the alleged violence and degradations inflicted upon him. The investigation, initiated in December, is addressing deliberate violence against vulnerable individuals and the dissemination of images depicting offenses against physical integrity.
Co-streamers purportedly implicated in the case were briefly detained in January but were subsequently released pending further investigation. Interviews with witnesses present during Graven’s demise and the seizure of substantial evidence, including video footage, have been conducted as part of the inquiry.
Kick has taken action by banning all co-streamers involved in the broadcast until the investigation concludes. The platform expressed deep sorrow over Graven’s passing and emphasized their commitment to safeguarding creators and fostering a secure environment on Kick.
In response to the tragic event, American internet personality Adin Ross and Canadian rapper Drake have pledged to cover Graven’s funeral expenses. Ross described the death as “horrible and disgusting,” affirming their gesture as a means of honoring Graven’s memory.
Drake’s involvement in the funeral costs has been reported, although CBC News is awaiting confirmation of this contribution. Ross, a renowned streamer with a sizable following, has been involved in various controversies, including past bans from Twitch for inappropriate language and controversial interviews.