Investigation Underway Following Tragic Death of French Streamer

French authorities have initiated a judicial investigation into the death of renowned streamer Raphaël Graven, who passed away during a live broadcast. His violent experiences and sleep deprivation while streaming have drawn significant attention, prompting calls for greater regulation of online content.

An investigation has been launched into the shocking death of a French streamer who gained notoriety for his extreme online challenges. Raphaël Graven, widely known by his streaming moniker Jeanpormanove, was found deceased at his residence in Contes, near Nice. The 46-year-old's death occurred during a live broadcast, during which he reportedly endured violent situations and sleep deprivation as part of his streaming persona, according to local media reports.

French government minister Clara Chappaz expressed her dismay regarding the circumstances surrounding Graven’s death, labelling the violence he faced as an "absolute horror." She highlighted the humiliation he endured as part of his online persona for several months. In response to this tragic event, a spokesperson from Kick, the live-streaming platform where Graven broadcasted, stated that they are urgently reviewing the events that led to the streamer’s death. They conveyed deep condolences to his friends, family, and community while affirming their commitment to maintaining community guidelines that protect creators.

Chappaz has referred the case to Arcom, the French media regulator, alongside Pharos, a system designated for reporting harmful online content. Sarah El Haïry, France's High Commissioner for Children, echoed her concerns, stressing that online platforms must be held accountable for content to ensure children are not exposed to violence. She urged parents to exercise vigilance regarding the online environments their children engage with.

The prosecutor's office has confirmed the commencement of an investigation into the cause of death, which includes ordering an autopsy. Jeanpormanove had built a substantial following, amassing over one million followers across his social media, and fostered a close-knit community on Kick. Fellow streamer Naruto paid tribute to him on Instagram, describing Graven as his "brother, sidekick, partner," while urging the public to honor Graven’s memory by refraining from sharing distressing footage of his death. Another streamer who collaborated with Graven, Owen Cenazandotti, also requested that followers avoid circulating videos of his final moments.